Adoption is a gift from God. A gift from a birth mom to her child. A gift for the adoptive parents who for one reason or another aren’t able to conceive and give birth on their own. A gift to anyone who associates with that child.

In my experience, no matter how you get your kids, you still have to go through the valley of the shadow of death. This is a place of scarcity, danger, pain, and the unknown. However, even with the unknown, we can be encouraged knowing that God uses the valley to strengthen our faith and draw us closer to Him. Looking back over 30 years later, I have come to this conclusion: It can’t be easy, or you don’t gain that mama bear bond and connection. You know the one I’m talking about. The one where you would give your life for your child without hesitation?

The adoption process is not easy. “There are times when the adoption process is exhausting and painful and makes you want to scream. But. . . so does childbirth.” – Scott Simon. It drains you physically, emotionally and spiritually. Thinking back on the prayers I’ve prayed in my life, the most fervent, pleading heartfelt prayers have been in regard to a child. It is an inborn trait in most women to love, nurture, and care for a child – especially her own.

The gift of adoption has blessed our family with three girls and most recently a boy. One from Romania, and three from here in the states. Leigh Anne Tuohy once said, “Families don’t have to match. You don’t have to look like someone else to love them.” It doesn’t matter what color their skin is, or where they were born. The only thing that matters is that they are loved! Adoption completes family units. And even though it’s not always easy, adding members to our families always brings LIGHT!!!

When you look into a child’s eyes for the first time, and you see and feel that connection and recognition, I believe these sacred little spirits always knew they were meant to be yours. They just came into the family in a different way.

I’m so grateful for the blessing we’ve had this past week of adding one more grand to our collection of grands!!! We now have six girls with another on the way, and three boys, one of whom is our angel boy in heaven. We love you Kai, you live on in our hearts every single day!!!

Adoption isn’t for everyone. I am grateful for the women who brought these little souls into our family. Ron and I are grateful for every single one of our kids and our grands!!! They bring LIGHT into our lives, and smiles to our faces. May they be blessed as they grow and develop in the best circumstances they’ve blessed us to be a part of.

Have a great week!!! And always look for and share some LIGHT!

Love Ya, Les :)

Family

Adoption Is A Gift From God