"Dear Abby: I hope you will print this on Mother's Day. This Mother's Day greeting is for all those incredibly unselfish mothers who chose to place their child up for adoption. I am an adopted child whose life has been a wonderful journey. If I could send a message to my birth mother, it would be one of eternal gratitude for allowing someone else to give me the life she was unable to provide. My adoptive parents love me and instilled a value system and belief in God that have carried me through every challenge life has sent my way. There is no love like a mother's love. That is why I want to tell all those mothers out there who gave their children to another parent to love and nurture that their sacrifice and heartache became a miracle for so many of us. God bless you all on Mother's Day. ~Thankful Daughter"
Dear Abby replied: "I'm pleased to print your Mother's Day greeting, and I hope it will bring comfort and reassurance to any woman out there for whom today is a reminder of a painful sacrifice. I would also like to wish a happy Mother's Day to mothers everywhere, be they birth mothers, adoptive and foster mothers, or stepmothers. I applaud you all."
I don't read Dear Abby often, but this caught my eye - for obvious reasons. I am so grateful to be Lucy, Eli and Samuel's mother. The ten weeks since we've been home from China have flown by...Samuel's adjustment has exceeded our expectations...he is such a blessing to our family! He has a very easy-going demeanor, which is wonderful for a third child and someone who's been to a zillion doctors' appointments. He is recovering well from his cleft-palate surgery last week. We stayed at the hospital for five days and by the end, he was charming all the nurses with his humongous smile. Lucy and Eli are thrilled to have him back home.
Lucy instantly understood her role as big sister - she is such a helper and is so patient. One day when I was having a hard time meeting all three of their needs, Lucy said "I know, I know...three kids...two hands." I am so grateful for her sweet spirit! It took Eli a bit to understand how to be both a BIG brother and a LITTLE brother, but he's got enough personality to handle both roles beautifully! He shows Samuel affection by putting him in a headlock and he's quick to sing a song if Samuel is getting upset..."Jesus Love You"..."This is the Day"..."Strength Will Rise"
I continue to be overwhelmed with gratitude and love. Gratitude on this day for my own mother, who stayed with us last week so Lucy and Eli could keep their normal schedules, and preserved my sanity; for my mother-in-law who is quick to say "how can I help?"; for my sister, who is growing another baby of her own, but makes numerous treks to my house to celebrate my family; for my grandmother, who visited us to meet the newest Freeman-Wyatt and is always optimistic. We have felt so much love from our family and friends during this adventure. Big hugs to all of you!
After a year of planning...whether it be the adoption, or the new house, or then Samuel's surgery...Chris and I are so relieved, happy and grateful right now. When we walked out of the Vanderbilt Children's Hospital on Friday morning, I started to cry because for so long we have had something to work on...adoption paperwork...house renovation details...medical insurance information...and now those things are taken care of. Of course, we know there will be other seasons of anticipation (that's life, right?)...but for now, we're watching the three blessings on their new swing-set and so very thankful to be at this place.
My awesome threesome...I often say "they are like puppies" since they are usually so close to each other that they're touching.
Precious cargo...not all of our sleeping is this synchronized, I promise.
Good times...
