Tomorrow is a big day for a few reasons. One year ago today, I got a phone call from CYFD asking if I could possibly take 2 little boys for 8 days of respite with a possibility of a longterm placement. The baby I had for 3 months had moved in with his adoptive family that morning and I was all set for a couple days of quiet, sleep and probably more than a bit of teariness. After securing promises of babysitting and lots of encouragement from friends, I agreed. I was terrified. I was excited. I was in completely over my head. I was gonna be outnumbered in my own house! That night, I was scheduled to attend a training on the Nurtured Heart Approach which ended up being extremely serendipitous. That approach combined with Love and Logic have become the foundation of my parenting choices.
The next morning, I went to the grocery store to shop for "kid food" with suggestions from friends written down in my purse. I bought Spiderman comforters, a couple toys and new pajamas. Got home and put some take and bake chocolate chip cookies in the oven to portray some sort of "cozy, I know what I'm doing as a Mom" vibe. I was on the phone with my friend, Erika, peering out my front window when the van pulled up and two of the cutest little guys I'd ever seen got out. They looked terrified. Their current foster mom and her daughter shepherded them up the walk and my doorbell rang. That was the first time my sons would walk through the doorway into our home. That was the beginning of so much. I had no idea what the future would hold that day but I'm so happy I walked through the unknown. These boys have changed my life in unimaginable ways and I honestly can't beleive it's only been a year. Tomorrow, I will sign the Adoptive Placement Agreement on the anniversary of our meeting. Tonight, I am awed, amazed, humbled and thrilled. Thank you is not enough.
You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them. ~Desmond Tutu
What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life - to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories. ~George Eliot
And thank you for a house full of people I love. Amen. ~Ward Elliot Hour
The next morning, I went to the grocery store to shop for "kid food" with suggestions from friends written down in my purse. I bought Spiderman comforters, a couple toys and new pajamas. Got home and put some take and bake chocolate chip cookies in the oven to portray some sort of "cozy, I know what I'm doing as a Mom" vibe. I was on the phone with my friend, Erika, peering out my front window when the van pulled up and two of the cutest little guys I'd ever seen got out. They looked terrified. Their current foster mom and her daughter shepherded them up the walk and my doorbell rang. That was the first time my sons would walk through the doorway into our home. That was the beginning of so much. I had no idea what the future would hold that day but I'm so happy I walked through the unknown. These boys have changed my life in unimaginable ways and I honestly can't beleive it's only been a year. Tomorrow, I will sign the Adoptive Placement Agreement on the anniversary of our meeting. Tonight, I am awed, amazed, humbled and thrilled. Thank you is not enough.
You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them. ~Desmond Tutu
What greater thing is there for human souls than to feel that they are joined for life - to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories. ~George Eliot
And thank you for a house full of people I love. Amen. ~Ward Elliot Hour
Comments
Love,
Melissa
I am so happy for you...
We are doing absolutely wonderful. K has grown into such a secure confident young lady. You would be hard pressed to find the insecure and very vulnerable girl she used to be. We have our moments...but they are truly learning moments.
I have tried a few times to email you with updates, but never received a response. Did you receive them?
Blessings to you and your wonderful boys. I hope we can keep in better contact:) You have been such a blessing to us!
Love,
Danielle