We have had a lot of talks about forever in our home the last few months.  Forever is a concept that five year olds are not supposed to understand… hell, its hard for me to wrap my brain around ‘forever’.  However, when our wise-beyond-his-years little boy is asked where he wants his forever home to be, he very clearly says, “DUH!  With my FAMILY!”  When asked who his family is, he again, without hesitation, blurts out, “My Mommy, Daddy, and my baby brother Grae!” Nobody can say this kid doesn’t know what he wants (or how to advocate for himself! ;))

But, why then, must the process be so long and so full of stress and angst?  We have been fighting for him for close to a year, and we are still playing the waiting game for paperwork to be filed to hurry this process along.  I wish so much that he could just get some closure.  The night terrors (that have now started happening in the middle of the day) are more than a little hard to watch.

Now, don’t get me wrong-

Adoption is a wonderful gift, and I’m a firm believer that parenting doesn’t begin in the womb. Parenting begins when you meet the child you will devote your time, self and energy to. Whoever that child may be. Wherever that child may come from.

 

Whoever’s eyes that child gazes at you with.

 

Because at the end of the day, we will get to wipe the tears from those eyes – whatever color they may be.

 

And I’m so excited to be a part of this miracle.

I just wish all these policies, practices, and red tape would be overlooked in the best interest of the child… I desperately want to be able to look him square in the eye and tell him, without a doubt, that he is ours and we are his… FOREVER… and nothing or nobody will ever change that.