Almost two years ago my husband and I and our case worker, the birth mother’s case worker, the birth mother and a mentor of hers gathered in a hospital room. The air was heavy with emotion, awkwardness, and nervousness.
My heart was focused on a petite one who held this tiny one. What was she thinking? How awfully hard this day must be for her.
She offered him up to me, swaddled up tight. And I held him. I was delighted but guarded, thinking of her and wanting to make this as easy on her as we could. After Adam held sweet baby boy we put him back in her arms.
I knelt down, gathered my courage, and looked straight into her dark eyes. Thank you so much. We think you are so brave.
I hugged her and her eyes and mine were filled with tears. Two mamas embraced and exchanged a silent knowing of this fragile exchange.
She had gathered all her courage to make the hardest decision of her life. This adoptive mama gathered her conflicting emotions to honor the loss that the young woman was feeling.
I felt like I was gaining everything but at a high cost to her and this little one.
In the hospital room Grace drew near as we all did our best to make this long-waited transition.
Just… beautiful – your words, your heart and his sweet face.
Thank you so much Liz.:)
What a beautiful display of your adoption journey. She was brave, but so are you friend! Blessings!
I just love this, Katie. You are such a beautiful person. So blessed to know you. xoxo
Katie, I love everything about this. I can’t stop listening to the new Third Day album – it’s all SO GOOD. That song. The other songs. Love it. And your adoption story? I love hearing more about it because you know I love adoption stories. And your words? They flow and they’re beautiful. So grateful for you, Katie! xoxo
You brought tears to my eyes. I too am an adoptive mom, as well as a birth mom. You shared the story of two mama’s struggles with such grace. I tried to blog about our adoption journey last year and let a bunch of meanies silence me so I just knew I had to encourage you to keep sharing! Your hope is contagious and your stories are necessary.
What a precious little boy. What a beautiful family.
And as if we’re kindred spirits you shared one of my favorite bands and songs. 🙂
There are about 15 of my students I’d like to adopt ;). How wonderful that you have a precious son and that his mother was brave enough to give him a better life. What an incredible gift.