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. )

Thursday Thirteen

Maria over at Jubilee on Earth has posted a fun Thursday Thirteen and invited everyone to join in. I have decided to shirk all responsibility for a few moments and play along. If you have a blog and want to play, too, go right ahead.

So here is my first Thursday Thirteen -Wacky Questions - "If I could..."

1) If you could time-travel, and go back to any particular time/place in history, what would it be?

Although I am a sucker for modern conveniences I would probably choose either Victorian England or right here in Texas about 100 years ago.

2) If you could go back and relive any time in your life, what would it be?

Wow. I don’t even know. Maybe my time in Europe right after college.

3) If you could change one thing about your body, what would it be?

The effects of gravity.

4) If you could do anything in the world for a living, what would it be?

I really like being a mom, but there’s not much money in it. I would love to be a writer. Maybe a professional singer, but I would have to get over my stage fright and have a really fun band to play with. (You know who you are!)

5) If you could only read one book over and over again in your life, what one book would that be?

I guess it would have to be the Bible, but I would need a really good teacher to chat with about it.

6) If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

There is a little patch of land just outside of Navasota, Texas…..

7) If you could only wear one outfit for the rest of your days, what outfit would that be?

Probably a T-shirt and jeans.

8) If you could have dinner with any one person (dead or alive) -- anyone -- who would it be?

Jesus Christ.

9) If you could ask for any talent or skill and instantly receive it, what talent would that be?

I would love to be able to paint in oils.

10) If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

The condition of my house.

11) If you could name your biggest regret, what would that be?

Not too much to regret, really, but I do wish I had taken art classes in school.

12) If you could have exactly one million dollars right now in your hands, what would you do with it?

Pay off all my debts, make a couple of charities really happy, and buy a place in the country.

13) If you could fix one major world problem on this Earth, what would you fix?

Given my domestic frame of mind, I would probably make sure that everyone had enough to eat. There is just too much of my grandmother in me, I guess.