A Lifetime with Liam: And That Concludes Year One

How trite but how true-how can it already have been a year? Where has the time gone? It was just yesterday but it was a lifetime ago all in the same moment. A year ago we were in the process of packing and repacking our suitcases. We were debating toddler bed or crib (definitely crib). We were contemplating whether to buy size 18 month, 24 month or 2T clothes (wrong with all 3 choices; needed 6-9 month). I dare, albeit only one single time before we met Liam, let myself dream about what it might be like to hold him in my arms. I was all about not having ANY expectations. We all know what happens when you have expectations! Well, here it is a full 365 days, 12 months, 4 seasons, full year later. Despite all that time, I still ponder how an egg from another woman and a sperm from another man created an embryo that grew in a womb outside my own and yet I love this little boy with every fiber of my being. To look back and say I didn't worry that loving an adopted child might be different than a biological child would be a little lie. I didn't worry that I wouldn't love him but just that it would somehow be different. Well here I am to say that I would lay my own life down for any of my 4 precious children. It is through the grace of God that I so much better understand His love for all of us-His adopted children...something I just didn't get before I had the opportunity to experience for myself. Our lives have been forever changed and I have to think that many lives that have crossed paths with Liam will be changed as well.

I still spend more time than I should looking back at pictures and watching video clips of our travels to China. Part of me knows I should be doing more productive things like cleaning or getting the laundry done. But there is just this lure with all things China. People will still ask from time to time why we picked China and other than answering God led us there I don't have another answer. I am simply enamored with that country. I had pledged to learn more about the culture and history as well as learn to speak Mandarin. I have learned that my 16 year old has a bucket list and so I guess those goals should go on my list as well although not quite as exciting as her quest to go hang gliding. The homesickness that set in about 12 hours after we landed in China a year ago has all but faded away. Now I look at those pictures with a longing to return.

Liam continues to thrive in every way. Steve said it best just the other night...that Liam brings this indescribable joy to every day of our lives. Physically he is making gains in every area. We feel we have made some wonderful connections with the people who will be able to help him even more. We don't know exactly what the future holds but have great peace in knowing that God has written every page in Liam's book. His destiny is known by the mastermind who brought this little boy into our lives. Although I didn't allow myself to have expectations going into this I have allowed myself to imagine just a little bit of what the future might be like. My bold prayer a year ago was that this little boy who wasn't stable sitting up might one day be able to climb up the ladder and let himself down the slide. Well just take a guess at who is climbing up that ladder this summer? Needless to say, our prayers have become a whole lot bolder than that. Think walking by himself, riding a bike, riding a scooter, telling his mommy the words "I love you" and perhaps spreading God's truth to the nation where his life began. (I told you they were bold). We can't help but think Liam might end up with a sibling one day that shares his heritage but for now it's just a thought. We have learned that God's timing is perfect. I still laugh when I think how impatient I became starting back in 2007 when we decided to adopt. How could waiting 3 years to adopt an orphan be part of God's plan I kept thinking. Well I'll be quiet about that one now knowing once again that God's plans are perfect.

And for now, Liam's blog is going on hiatus. I'm sure I won't be able to resist the temptation to post a picture now and again but am not planning on any more monthly updates. I said this once before but it bears repeating; may everyone have the experience in their own lives that is simply indescribable. Thank you to every one for your support and unconditional love throughout this process and a HUGE thank you for every one of your prayers. Please don't stop.

Our Forever Family May 17, 2010