We waited an hour in the hallway, the benches were full of parents, children and grandparents. Excitement was high. Anticipation of THE moment seemed sureal.
Were we really here? Was it finally over? What was life like before this adventure began? One can scarcly remember. We started this process so long ago.
We were the last family to be called to the bench. The lawyer leads us through the heavy swinging gate and we slowly approach the judges intimidating seat.
He is the same judge that presided over the termination of Eli’s birth father’s rights. They do that on purpose. The same judge who terminates rights also gets to be the same judge who unites the forever family. Seems only fair.
Raise your right hands we are told. Sydney raises her left, an endearing sign of her age. I want to remember forever.
We promise to tell the truth and nothing but the truth.
When was Eli born? How long have you had him? Do you believe adoption to be the best chocie for Eli?
Then the lawyer looks to Sydney and asks a question that only a big sister could answer. “What is the best way to make Eli happy when he is fussy?”
The answer comes softly yet confidently. “Tickle him!”
No further questions says the lawyer. And it’s at this moment that the judge pronounces us a forever and legal family of four. He gives Eli a bear.
As we gather our belongings left in the hallway, elated that this moment had finally arrived, we bare witness to one last miracle.
The bailiff walks through the heavy double doors and looks from side to side. In a loud authoritative voice he calls a man’s name out.
There is no one in the hallway but us.
The bailiff calls the name 2 more times. Three in all.
No one steps forward.
Chip and I smile at one another. We both know the gift that has passed before our eyes.
Somewhere a family is breathing a sigh of relief. The rights of a birth father were just terminated.
The court called for him, but he did not come.
Beauty is always found in the ashes. Our true Father always comes when we call. He never forsakes us. Never leaves us.
Eli is finally legally ours! He is God’s gift to us. A blessing we will never take for granted.
Congratulations Sharee, Chip, Syd and Eli! He could not have asked for a more loving family if he had the words himself. What a miracle at Christmas.
ReplyDeleteAnd PS, Jack has the same onesie! Hope they get to meet in person some day:) Love to your family!
Congrats! What an amazing Christmas Present!!
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