Happy Forever Family Day!

(One year ago we met our beautiful son.  The emotions and the story of his life and our year almost overwhelm me.  For this special celebration post, I want to write it to Jacob.)

 

November 4th, 2013:

 

Dearest Jacob,

One year ago WE met our precious, youngest son.  The pain of 6 years of waiting had culminated into this long awaited day. 

One year ago YOU lost everything you ever been connected to, everything that gave you security, and every person, site, sound, and smell that you had ever cared for.  One year ago your life was once again ripped apart. 

Our day of greatest pleasure occurred at the same time as your day of greatest pain.  None of us has come away unchanged.

In this process of ripping apart and joining together, we have learned so much about the love and work that goes into building a family.  A love and fierce commitment have been planted in our hearts for you and in this letter, I want you to know that we are committed to loving you well and doing this right by the grace of our Lord and Savior.

 

So, dear one, I want to share with you today, as we celebrate the one year anniversary of our Forever Family Day, what I hope to communicate to you the rest of your life….

1. We will create for you an environment of emotional safety, where you can trust us enough to share everything.....your joys and your struggles.
2. We will help you know your true and wonderful self.  Not one based on performance, or image.
3. We will be intentional about providing opportunities to teach and show you empathy and compassion.
4. We will help to reflect to you God's character by showing you patience, kindness, forgiveness, and love.
5. We will provide for you affection, nurturing, responsiveness, and sensitivity.
6. You will be safe, seen, and secure in our household.

The journey of this year has been incredible!  It brought tears to my eyes as I rocked you to sleep tonight thinking I couldn't imagine life without you in it.  Somehow, in the midst of your tragic story, God has allowed us to enter and be your Mom and Dad.  There could be no greater calling than to come together as a family bonded in other ways than blood.  I had no idea how greatly the experience would impact me nor how inadequate I would feel to take this road.  Yet, in the midst if your hardest days this year, you have reached out your little hand to embrace us, to laugh with us, to forgive us, and to love us.  Life couldn't be fuller for me right now and I wouldn't change a thing except that I might somehow be able to spare you of any pain you will face down the road of your life.

 

But one thing I know is that walking next to you at every step will be the One who created you and gave you life.  He will be your healer even as He has been mine this past year.  There is so much incredibleness to happen in your life, Jacob.  He has had his hand on you from the start, and has somehow allowed us to enter into your life and walk alongside you.  For this, we will be forever grateful.

 

We love you, forever-

Mom and Dad