A Special Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen years ago today I was awakened by the phone ringing. As soon as I heard the phone ring, I knew who it was. A wonderful young girl whom I had come to know and love over the last couple of months was calling me. It was time.

We spent the rest of that day in a hospital room awaiting the arrival of a child who would change our lives. Today that child is thirteen.

It was an amazing day on so many levels. One I never thought I would experience. When we first decided to have a child, we had all sorts of expectations. Five years of infertility changed most of those dreams. When we accepted that adoption might be the way to a family, we then set up dreams to fit that scenario. God must have laughed heartily at us as we decided how it should be.
This adoption broke every guideline we set. And I wouldn't have had it any other way.

We have been having birthdays for this boy for the past thirteen years, but for some reason this one seems different. I have been weepy all week as I think about him and how big he is getting. As he crosses over into the teenage years, I can't believe the time has flown so quickly.

I am thankful to God, of course, but also to that young girl who so many years ago was obedient to the urgings of her Lord. I told her then I didn't know why she was chosen to carry my child, but I truly felt that was the case. This child was mine before I ever laid eyes on him. Before I held him in my arms. Before I kissed his sweet face. Thankfully, she felt the same way. I am comforted in knowing that she still does to this day.

He is my sweetie boy, but don't tell him I told you. He's thirteen now and that is not a cool thing to say.

Happy Birthday, Bubba. We all love you so.

(Can you see the imp in him? And that dimple! Man, he can break your heart. )