and we began the long journey that lead us to our son, on the other side of the globe.
On Elliott's second birthday, completely unknown to him, he got a family. It would take us nearly eight excruciatingly long months to complete the necessary paperwork steps and finally get permission to go and get him. That's a very long time to wait, knowing that every day that ticked by was another day we were missing out on spending with him. But the day finally came, and now we're united as a family. Forever!
And tomorrow, as we celebrate Elliott's third birthday, we also reflect on the long journey he has already had in his three short years.
I've lamented before in blog posts about how sad I feel that Elliott will never know the identity of his birthparents. I just can't imagine the heartache of spending nine months growing a baby inside my womb, only to have to part with him just a week after he is born. Feeling every kick, every hiccup, going through labor, and then having to say "goodbye". I will never know the true circumstances of this separation, but I truely believe that she was forced for one reason or another to make that critical decision and she did the best for Elliott that she knew how given the circumstances surrounding adoption in China. And it worked. He found us. And we will love and honor our sweet little boy for the rest of our lives. He is our son and there is nothing I wouldn't do for my precious little man. I pray time and time again words of gratitude. Thank you, God, for completing our family! I know that HE was meant to be ours!
But as we joyously celebrate his third year of life tomorrow, I am also wondering if there is a woman in China who is thinking about him as well. Did she already know on his birth day that she would not be able to keep him? Is she quietly remembering him today, and reflecting on their short time together? Is she at peace with her decision? I wish there was some way to reach out to her and assure her that yes, he is healthy and happy and so incredibly loved. To give her that peace, and to thank her for giving Elliott life.
So today we celebrate the day we were officially 'linked' together, and tomorrow we celebrate his birthday.
Life is good! More pictures to come!
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