* Photo credit to Nancy Noble Barnes
So...I won't even begin to make excuses for how long it's been since I've written, but if I were to begin it would involve Holidays, Illnesses, Travel, all the normal Christmastime hurdles it seems for this past year. My heart & mind are full of potential topics to post about, and I'll begin with what was in my soul today and work my way backwards til we're caught up. Today, I was overwhelmed with a sense of how grateful I have been most recently for Asher's birthgrandma. Below is a letter I emailed to her as it poured out from my heart (names have been changed to protect privacy).
Dear Jane,
I'm just sitting down to my cup of morning tea & breakfast while Asher naps, and I was overcome with how grateful I am for you in particular today. I had been emailing a few pictures earlier this morning to Rebekah at the adoption agency (she had asked recently how Asher was going & if we wanted to share any pictures). As I sent the one to her of all of us on the carousel from our recent visit with you, I felt so deeply how much I am thankful for you. We are grateful to God for everyone that was placed into our life as a result of Asher's adoption journey (including all of your family); but there are times when I'm overwhelmed with emotion to think of your love for Asher and for us.
I hope you know without a doubt what a phenomenal grandma, mother, and woman you are. I realized when we came home from the museum after our visit how in tune you are as a grandma to what your grandchildren need in particular. I know that must have been painful and difficult to cut our visit a little short for Asher's sake of needing to rest. That care for him did not go unnoticed. Josh & I were and still are deeply touched by the love you show in so many ways, the cookies so carefully made & packaged, the gifts so thoughtfully selected for Asher, the tender way you gave Silas (*Asher's biological half-brother) and Asher space & time to bond though your own body & heart must have been aching just to scoop Asher up in your arms and squeeze him.
I treasure the words we exchanged when we talked as Asher played. I wish too for Kayla (*Asher's birthmother, Jane's daughter) to be able to share in the joy we have with Asher, I know that's one of your heart's cries. I pray that God will heal her completely and I have hope that one day perhaps she can come. I'm also so glad that you were receptive to hearing about Matt (*Matt is Asher's birthfather) and his visit with Asher too. It was a blessing to us to be able to give him a visit with Asher and witness the joy that it brought to Matt to see him.
The Lord has been showing me comfort in His Word lately, especially from the book of Isaiah:
"He will tend His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs in His arms; He will carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those that are with young."
You, Jane, are part of how God leads me gently, you bless us in so many ways without ever knowing. I don't if I am expressing myself very well, but suffice it to say, than I thank God for you. Thank you for being you.
Much love,
Hannah
One of the next posts I'd like to share will focus on the visit with Matt that I mentioned to Jane in the letter above. I'm still working through my thoughts from that. I hope you all are enjoying a happy & healthy New Year. What in particular are you grateful for today?
a little belated Christmas picture taken with my iPhone 4s
