One Year Later

A year ago this week, early on a Saturday morning, we received information about a Marshallese baby boy who was almost 3 months old and needing a family.  Testing had shown he had some hearing loss, but Brad and I only discussed briefly whether we should present our profile for this little boy.  We eagerly anticipated hearing something all weekend, as this baby was already here and needed a family ASAP.  The following day was Father's Day, but we did not get any news.  We tried to be patient as another day passed with still no news.  Finally, Tuesday morning, June 23, I texted our consultant to see if there was an update.  She said she had hoped to hear by now but was still waiting.  That evening around 10 pm, we were shocked and thrilled to get a call that we were this baby boy's parents.  A few minutes later we were able to see the first pictures of our new son.  It was so unreal after 4 years of praying and patiently (and not so patiently) waiting for our child.

 

 

 



I was too hyped up to sleep that night and stayed up booking airline tickets, writing out packing lists, and making arrangements.  The following day I somehow managed to do a little work, run several errands, and reserve a place to stay and rental car in Hawaii.  With little more than 4 hours sleep in 48 hours, we were on our way to the airport first thing Thursday morning (June 25).  By just after 6:00 pm (Hawaii time), Simon was in our arms.

Even though our sweet boy has already had his first birthday, this week feels almost like a bigger milestone because he has now been in our family for a year.  You know how some events in your life are so important you can remember certain details about them very vividly?  Not only do you recall the events but you remember exactly how you felt in that moment.  Walking down the aisle on my wedding day and seeing my husband for the first time. . . surprising Brad the news we were expecting our first child. . . holding the son who made me a mom in awe. . . holding my first daughter in amazement at how beautiful she was. . . holding my third child in thanksgiving that she was safe. . .then having my long-awaited and fought-for son placed in my arms. . . they are all etched forever in my mind.

 

 



 





Everyone who has walked the road before says all the heartache and tears and stress and waiting and anything else negative you have experienced is all worth it the moment your child is placed in your arms.  This is true.