I was so moved by reading A’s words in her comment on my last post and I just wanted to write something back to her in the presence of all of you – since you have been such a big part of our story, too.
Hi A.,
You are always so thoughtful and kind and your sweet comment last night was a nice surprise to read first thing this morning! I’m so glad you are doing well. I know I’ve told you this before, but it makes me smile to know that you read my blog. And wow – I’m so happy that you went back to read the old posts from Mini’s birth.
Back then we both said that we thought it was a God thing that we were brought together and every time I go back to those posts I can see it again and again. He thought of everything, didn’t He?
In my mind, I can still go back to how I felt during that first phone call – like we were on Oprah or something getting the surprise of our lives that you and J. hand picked us to be the parents of your baby. This call became one of those moments in life when I’ll always remember every detail – the sound of your voice, the way I tried to keep myself from pacing around the room because I just knew I’d trip and fall over something, and how I kept wondering if this was real or if I just misunderstood what was happening. Did J. just say what I thought he said? Come again? You and he decided what, now? Maybe I didn’t get that right. Wasn’t this supposed to be an interview?
After you told me you were having a girl I knew it was real. Everyone said we were going to adopt a girl. And I believed it, too. A girl! (squeal)
By the time we had our second phone conversation on New Years Day, early on in the call, I found myself enjoying the ride that God was taking us on. We talked for an hour and the time flew by – I remember laughing at funny things you said and moving from topic to topic with the greatest of ease. Like friends do. I couldn’t believe we were becoming friends so soon.
You and I have an easy friendship, which is a wonderful bonus blessing for our open adoption. I sincerely enjoyed spending time with you before Mini was born, at the hosptial when she was born, and with you and your family before we left Colorado.
I was amazed by your upbeat personality and thoughtfulness during a hard, emotional time. I would have totally understood if you wanted to focus all of your attention on Mini, while she was there with you in person. But instead, you held her and continued to be apart of our conversation. You fed her a bottle and still giggled over stories about your friends (it was hard for me to keep up with who was who, you have so many!), and you gave her back to me for diaper changes (everyone does…) and trusted me to love and bond with her the same as you have since the day you felt her move inside of you.
I saw the support that your friends and family gave you (even through their own tears) and I was always whispering praises to God for seeing you through the rocky days and nights of saying goodbye to Mini. That snowy morning that we hugged for the last time was really hard. I read your letter in the car en route to the airport and sobbed over the way you worded your thoughts. You were so complimentary of us – all of us. You were going to miss US, our whole family. You saw us as Mini’s family. I, Mini’s forever mommy. I felt the weight of your words and knew they were written with true love.
Open adoption has surprised me two times over. We love both Max’s birth mom and you with an indescribable love that is given freely in return. I am forever thankful to experience this kind of love.
Definitely a God thing.
Is this the first time you’ve posted a picture of her? Seriously A is beautiful!
Yes, first time. I wanted to wait and make sure that she and her parents were okay with it. She is beautiful and this is just a week after giving birth!
Yea A! She’s beautiful inside and out. Your continuing story is a testimony to God’s love and goodness. Thanks everyone for sharing it with us.
You two could easily be sisters. She is beautiful, her words and your words beautiful. What an AMAZING legacy to create for that beautiful, gorgeous, kissable little girl. Hugs – M
The connection you two have is beautiful, just beautiful.
I love you.
A.
What a beautiful post and what beautiful women you both are – inside and out. Mini is blessed to be so loved!
Mini’s story just gets better and better! This post was so sweet and tender. Thanks for letting us eavesdrop between you and A. She IS gorgeous–that smile is a knockout.
How beautiful was that? I love you Anna!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A. being apart of your life is going to be a great adventure for you and her!
Thank you for sharing this – it’s so beautiful. Mini is so very blessed to have such love. And A, as an adoptive mom myself you have no idea how amazing you are. God is using you in a mighty way!
Wow you two could pass for sisters!
I love hearing about your story and how God has moved in your lives. Mini is one beautiful and blessed baby!!
As I sit here (quite impatiently) waiting on our own phone call by a potential birthmom, I am moved to tears, prayers of praise and prayers for patience! I’m so glad I came to read and catch up tonight (we’ve been at the beach)! It warms my heart and reminds me that we know God’s timing is perfect, we know he has a plan for us to find our birthmom and our child through this journey. It is so evident how God worked in your story and I can’t wait to have a story to share as well. Waiting isn’t easy, sometimes worse than others, but our time will come and God is in control of it all. We will give him all the glory and praise when we become parents for sure.
Anyway….. thanks for sharing your continuing story! It’s beautiful and heart warming and gives me hope!! The fact that your open story is continuing is so beautiful and why we chose open adoption as well.
And…..A is truly beautiful!!!! What a precious smile!!!!
What an amazing testimony to open adoption . . . and to God’s leading.
Thank you for sharing a pic of A! Her smile is so infectuous!! Your open adoption is such a beatiful story that has kept me mesmerized. Thank you for sharing a glimpse into your life.
Oh, I just love this story; it keeps getting better and better…and it’s not just a story, but it’s what God is writing on your lives, what He is doing for you and for Mini, and even for those of us who are privileged to watch and marvel! Thank you both for being shining examples of His love!
Oh my gosh. Both of your families are truly inspirational. Oprah really SHOULD call you both because you’ve just nailed it.
I’m so inspired.
Beautiful God thing. Perfect God thing.
Yes, the smile is infectious.
Very pretty indeed.
Bwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.
How I long for tht kind of relationship. The semi-open thing is killing me because I want so bad to share every detail with S. (Baby J’s birthmom). I send pics/card every 3 months or so and then we agreed that it would be once a year. But, I think from our feelings towards each other it would be easy to do more.
I love her so much for making the right choice for Baby J. as hard as it must have been. I love her for seeing in me something that I really don’t even see in myself…and I love her because if it hadn’t been for her…Baby J. would not be a part of our family.
A.– thank you for your maturity and your grace and selflessness. The world would be a much better place if there were more people like you. Anna is blessed to have you in her life…and now so are we!
Blessings to all of you for showing such a positive side of adoption!
Awwww, this reminds me of our relationship. Open adoptions are an amazing thing and I’m so glad you’re Max’s mom. While I think about him everyday, I’m never worried because I know he has you and Mike to take care of him. Love you guys!