Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Openness


Four years ago this month Kevin and I came in contact with a remarkable young woman. She was so sweet and beautiful and we loved getting to know her more and more with each email and phone call. She is loving and courageous beyond her years and a few short months after we first met, she changed our lives forever. She delivered a perfectly healthy, strong, and angelic baby boy... and I became his mother. We love her beyond expression and hold her in our hearts and as part of our family for always.

I have yet to publicly post any pictures of Noah's birthmother, Jillian. I don't know why I haven't. I've had her permission for awhile now. But now I just can't resist! We had the privilege of attending her wedding over Labor Day weekend and it was a beautiful moment for us and for Noah. Here they are together:


We so loved spending time with Jillian and her family while we were there. I won't post any wedding pictures because that's for the BRIDE and her new husband to do. :) But it sure was a beautiful day and we will always be glad that we could be there with her.

I found the following poem about a year ago, and I think it's so beautiful. I hope that Noah knows just how much he's loved by so many special people... and that we came together because of him. :)


The Legacy of a Child in an Open Adoption

Brenda Romanchik

Once there were two expectant mothers.
One carried and cared for you beneath her beating heart.
She became your Birthmother.
The other carried the hope of you within her.
She became your Mom.
As the days passed, and you grew bigger and stronger,
Your Birthmother knew that she could not give you all you needed after your birth.
Meanwhile, your Mom was ready and waiting for you.

One day your Birthmother and your Mom found each other.

They looked into each other's eyes and saw a friend.
Your Birthmother saw the life your Mom could give you.
Your Mom saw how much your Birthmother loved and cared for you.

They decided that what you needed was both kinds of love in your life.

So now you have two families:
One by birth, the other by adoption.

And you have a home where you can get:
Your questions answered,
Your boo boos bandaged,
Your heartaches soothed,
And much needed hugs.

And a place where you can find:
Answers to your questions,
Your image in the mirror,
A part of yourself,
And much needed hugs.

Two different kinds of families
Two different kinds of love
Both a part of YOU.


3 comments:

Jaime Dubois said...

I loved this post...again, you have moved me to tears. :) I have never met Jillian, though I have heard so much about her that I feel like I know her. I will always be grateful that she brought such a sweet miracle to our family. She brought life and joy back to my sister, and for that I will always love her! I hope someday I do have the chance to meet her. I'm very glad that all of you were able to be there for Jillian's special day. Congrats to the bride and groom! Oh, and Noah is the cutest little boy in a tux EVER!!!!! Thanks for sharing. :)

Brianna said...

Such wonderful pictures... absolutley breath taking! Noah is SO lucky to be loved by so many, and you can tell by looking at his sweet little face that he knows it.

Thanks again for sharing!

Melissa Telford said...

I'm sitting at my computer in tears right now. What a sweet post. I love you guys and admire and respect who you are and what you do.