Our life is nothing short of an adventure...

Wind in our hair and screams of delight but also unpredictable turns and unknown outcomes. We are a family of six; Dave, Susie, Nate, Jake, Sam, and Bella.

God has been faithful in our marriage and through the birth and blessings of our boys.

God has been faithful during our adoption journey and united Bella with us in May of 2008. We were privileged to visit with Bella's birth mother; therefore, Bella's family in Guatemala will always be dear to our hearts.

On October 16, 2008, Bella was diagnosed with ALL Leukemia. We are now battling the disease with 2 years and 3 months of treatment. We believe God will continue to be faithful!

Our family is committed to living life to the fullest...even on the hard days. Thank you for checking in and journeying with us!


Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Birth Mother Meeting

How blessed we were to have a second opportunity to meet again with our birth Mother after our embassy apt. I asked the Lord for this second opportunity, it was a gift I asked God to grant to this woman.

After our Embassy Apt, our driver took us back to our orphanage for our final apt with the full time on staff Pediatrician and meeting with our birth Mother. The other family that was also on their pick up trip had their Dr Apt first and we were patiently waiting in the parent room for our turn when a staff member came around and said "birth Mom is here" and then there she was. We were totally unprepared...no preperation. I had been emotional all week and the second I seen her face I once again broke in to tears, as did she. We hugged and then I asked her if she would like to hold Bella. For 2 hours, I watched this kind, gracious, beautiful woman care for her 8 month old daughter as if she had been doing it all along. We talked a little, but mostly, we just sat and let her enjoy Bella. We entertained her 2 year old son with toys we brought for him. He was so cute about the candy as well, he wanted to eat every little piece right then. I asked her how her heart was and she said "sad, but happy because I know she will have a better life". Can you imagine? She took several photos of Dave and I and Bella with a phone she had borrowed and I made sure to use her phone to take photos of her with Bella. We purchased lunch for her and and her son and ate a quiet meal together. Again, there was not much talking, but there was true peace in the room and absolutely no discomfort. We could very much tell that she was at total peace with her decision.

She brought us pictures of Birth Dad, Bella's Guat cousins and photos of her sons 2nd birthday. I dont know anyone that has a photo of birth Dad, this is a huge blessing for Bella as she matures in to adult hood. We have a great deal of info on both her birth parents as well as photos. We also found out that she drove by bus with her son 3 hours...and her return trip would be 3 hours as well.

After 2 hours of visiting, I was exhausted and Bella was beside herself. I reluctantly had to find someone from the agency to tell her that we had to leave, this was very hard for me. She would get 2 hours with her daughter, we would get a life time.

Upon leaving, she handed me her daughter.....Ugh....I still break out in tears over this. I handed Bella to Dave and this incredible woman and I wept in each others arms. Her innocence, trust and faith in us overwhelmed me. Her gift and sacrifice was more than I could bear to think. I wanted to pack her and her son up and take them with us. But this is what she wanted, and she absolutely let us know that.

I will always remember that embrace, that shared moment between two Mom's, and me whispering in her hear "Te almo" and her hugging me even harder.

Not many people have the opportunity to meet their birth Mom's, this is a unique program that our agency provided. I am so incredibly grateful for it, and I know it will mean so very much to Bella.

To our sweet birth Mother, you will forever be imprinted on our hearts and minds. We promise that Bella will always know how very much you loved her...."May the Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord shine His face upon you, and give you peace".

To my heavenly Father, thank you for granting this request. You are always so faithful to me. I love you with all my heart, soul and mind.

Love, Susie

5 comments:

Mary Ann said...

Wow! Susie that is just beuatiful. We did not get to meet our Birth mom's. So that is very special!

Courtney said...

OMG !!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW.......That made me cry. How awesome you got to meet her and share that time with her. How hard and sad. That will be something to always remember and treasure. Welcome Home. Courtney

Gail said...

Susie,
That is such a blessing to get to meet the birth mother. And the pictures of the birth father . . . WOW!!
Gail

Angie said...

It was wonderful to read about your time with Bella's birthmom. Having also been given the gift of time spent with Emma's birthmom I totally agree with all your insights. It's amazing what these young women are willing to do to assure their children's happiness.

Hannah said...

Wow, that is amazing, what a gift for you, the birth mom and your daughter.

Gob Bless.
Hannah