My Ebenezer

Ironically, my very first post was exactly one year ago this Sunday (Mother's Day). It was on May 14, 2005, that I began to share Our Story with friends, family and strangers who have become virtual friends. Today, the Grace I wrote about then still carries us on this roller coaster ride called adoption. And Foster Care. For those of you who remember the story or who go back and read it, the child I called "Grace" is still with The Adoption Lady and they very much hope to adopt her. I saw her in church this past Sunday and I looked at her beatiful face, I marveled at how God used her to bring us to where we are now.

On my first Mother's Day as a Mother (officially but not legally), there are three people I want to honor.

First is my mom. There aren't enough words to thank you for the unconditional love you have given me through the years. It is because of you that I know Jesus. It is because of you that I know I will be a good mom. Having children changes the way I look at you – it's like suddenly, I get it. I understand why you gave up your lunch hour so many times to take me to run an errand. I know why you brought me to church even when I didn't want to go. THank you for giving me roots so that I would be confident enough to find my wings. And thank you for loving our babies.

The second person I want to honor is Princess and Speedy's biomom. I don't understand all the choices you've made, but I'm so grateful for two of them. I can see the love in your eyes when you hold Princess and when you get hugs from Speedy. Thank you for choosing life for them. I pray that you will one day come to know Jesus and that you will recieve the fullness of His love and His grace in your life. I promise that I will be honest with Speedy and Princess but I will do so without saying bad things about you. When they are old enough, if they choose to seek you out, I will support them and help them find you again.

The last person, or group of people, I want to honor are all the women out there who want to be mothers but have not yet become mothers. I know your pain and I have felt your loss. I wish for you today to be surrounded by God's peace and comforted by His grace. My prayer for you is Jeremiah 29:11, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord. 'They are for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.'"