Reminded Again

I was reminded again this weekend how awesome family is for a broken spirit and a less than perfect body. I had the opportunity to share with several families the joy of adding to your family through adoption with those children that wait because their bodies and spirits are less than perfect.  It makes me cry to think of all the joy I would be missing if I had passed on my waiting babes.  The labels are scary but the missed joy is an even worse fate.  

Remember this skin and bones baby with the labels prenatal HIV exposure, low birth weight, malnourished

I love to remember where she started so that when we rejoice our shouts of joy are even louder!  Tonight she was able to play with her sisters and eat dinner with the family!!!! It was awesome!!! She wears the family girl label pretty well don't you think?!

Remember this sick little one with the labels VATERAL, ASD, institutionalized, malnourished, brain abnormality, 3 months development at 10 months old?

Here she is last night at small group.  The picture is out of focus because there was too many helpers...but LOOK at her smile.  She is free from her fear and so ready to face life.  

Not only can she walk, she can run, jump and ride a bike. She wears the label super star like a rock star!!

Remember this little girl with the labels older child, prenatal HIV exposure, early childhood trauma, will require lifelong medical attention?

Today at the beach, she was able to make a friend, swim with her, ask what her name was, and play happily without adult attention for over an hour.  She was kind to her sisters, and she was able to make it home for lunch without a melt down even though she was really hunger.  Wow!  She wears the labels sister, daughter and friend really, really well!

Remember this boy that was on rainbow kids waiting for a family? Remember the labels VSD, needs constant attention, several foster family placements? 

Noah is really awesome. Not only is he smart and clever, he is kind and creative.  He loves to read and be read to.  He is a learner, explorer and adventurer.  I LOVE having him in my family.  He has a new best friend and is full to the brim with happiness. Today, he wears the label happy and content with a smile on his face!