Friends, I get to be a part of some pretty special things. Weddings, parties, senior years, family gatherings... and I love them all in different and special ways. But being a part of this adoption was a whole new experience for me. To experience such joy, awe, and excitement alongside this sweet family as their son was officially tied to his forever family is something I am absolutely honored to have done. I could say 10,000 more words about it, but I'll let Alexis explain it since she's seen the whole journey. Here's what she had to say:
"He arrived in an infant car seat, with a hospital bag that held Pampers and pre-mixed formula. The caseworker passed me a stack of papers and I signed my name on the line, promising we would care for this tiny being the county placed in my arms. I took a picture of the babe I held and texted it to my husband. I shed tears and said prayers for his first parents, and as I cuddled his little body close to mine, I fell in love.
It is true what they say, that the love arrives instantly. I didn’t know his story. I didn’t even know the details of his birth. But I knew the love. That love grew to encircle his first family completely, and I am privileged to call his first mother my friend. When I see her, I see beauty and bravery, selflessness and strength. Because of her courage, and the tireless efforts of his caseworkers and attorney, through the grace of God we finalized his adoption, and legally became a part of our forever family.
He is precious, a gift from God. He brings joy to everyone he meets and has the best belly laughs. We are so blessed to be his parents.
The paths of foster care and adoption are not easy. There is brokenness, but there is beauty in the broken. There are valleys, but they lead to hills. Our good Father had Grey in mind when he put us on this path, and I think the last few lines of Todd’s favorite poem by Robert Frost say it best;
I shall be telling this with a sigh,
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
We feel so blessed to have these photos from Grey’s adoption. We walked into the courtroom on a beautiful day in April, among Grey’s “village” and walked out a forever family. We feel so blessed to have had incredible caseworkers, an amazing agency, and an attorney who wields a pen like a magic wand. We are incredibly thankful that LDP was there recording this precious moment in time for our family!
*In 2017 more than 15,500 children were in the custody of Ohio’s children service agencies. Don’t be afraid to take the path less traveled. Step up for these children and families. Not everyone is able to foster (or adopt) but everyone can do something. Be the village! "
*do small things with great love*
-Lauren