I have this picture in my head that I often wish I really had a picture to share. It is truly one of the most precious moments of my life.
After about 4 days in the hospital with "L" and Charlie, we were getting to take our little girl home. The hospital room was me, Dave, Charlie, "L" and "C" (Charlie's birthmother and grandmother). We chatted throughout the flower filled room, but their was a quietness of what was to come. "L" would crack jokes and we would laugh all to help lessen the pain. A mother was about to say good-bye to her daughter and we knew we were about to be a part of it. We had a sense of relief to finally get to go home and enjoy our new baby, but we had to be in the moment and give everything we had to "L". She deserved every second and we wanted to soak it all in.
Finally the nurses came in, trying to be sympathetic to the situation but having no idea what to say or how to facilitate who was leaving in what car and who was taking the baby. I can't imagine their job or what they felt that day. I often wonder what their perception was of the whole situation, but I hope we glorified God and they got a glimpse of His beautiful love story.
We all agreed that we should go down together, we are forever united by one little girl. Dave and "C" decided to go down and pull both cars to the front of the hospital. When they walked back up together, "L" was put into a wheelchair. We all grabbed some flowers, but the nurse held Charlie and wasn't sure who to give her to. We had "L" hold her as she was wheeled down, Dave walking along side her. I stayed a few steps back while sharing with "C" that I admired her and her daughter and no words could ever thank them enough. I tried to tell her everything I could within the walk to the car. I wanted to tell her everything but knowing no matter what I said, couldn't take the pain of good-bye away and that she was about to go home and comfort her daughter. We finally arrived to the car and all I could think was, it is finished.
We strapped Charlie in to her car seat, both women kissed and loved on her for a lifetime. When "L" backed out of the car I looked at her and my heart wept for her. I held her like I have never held anyone else. This picture is entrenched in my brain. Their was a crowd near by that was watching and trying to examine the situation. A nurse stood quietly to the side trying to hide her tears. This moment was purely a God give moment. I truly felt as if heaven was rejoicing over "L" and celebrated her for her selfless heart. That our world would never be the same because of her sacrifices. I know it is silly, but I always thought if God had a camera, he would have framed this picture for His kingdom.
As we all drove away in seperate cars I knew that love would bring us back.
We are now getting ready to celebrate Charlie's first birthday in a few days. In a few days, both "C" and "L" will come and share a few hours with us and celebrate Charlie turning 1. And not just celebrate Charlie, but that our lives are all better for the events that took place a year ago. We have a bond that streghthens each of us and are walk with the Lord. When I think of Charlie and her adoption story my heart sings the praise, "O Lord, I sing for joy at the works of your hand!!" Psalm 92:4
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