Since I left off on the Saturday before the adoption was finalized, I'll start by summarizing Sunday, May 31st...one of the best days of our lives! At 8:48 that morning, the 72 hours was officially up. We, however, didn't find out that the paperwork was signed until after 10. Talk about a stressful morning! Looking back, though, I am glad that the birth mom took her time with the papers and with the decision. Her social worker was extremely supportive and gave her the time that she needed. In retrospect, I realize that the stress that we felt doesn't even begin to compare to what she was going through! After we found out that the adoption papers were signed, we went straight into an hour of paperwork. For those of you who have bought a house, you may have a remote understanding of what this hour was like.:-) Since we were both still in shock at that point, I really don't remember much else about the morning except saying good-bye to mommy T (the birth mom). Those few minutes were the most heartbreaking minutes I have ever experienced. Trying to find the words to say thanks for the most incredible gift imaginable was impossible. Instead, we gave lots of hugs, shared in her tears, and assured her that she was and would continue to be in our prayers. Ultimately, we all found peace in the fact that we would be visiting soon. (We have an open adoption. I will share more about this and the visits in future posts:-))
Since bringing Brayden home, we have been overwhelmed with the love, support, and joy that everyone has been sharing with us. Our house has been filled with guests and we are loving it! I am still not sure that I have fully grasped what God has done for us. He is SO INCREDIBLY good! Right now, I am concentrating on the promise that I made to Him before Brayden. Almost daily before Brayden came into our lives, I said Hannah's prayer found in 1 Samuel: "Oh, Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on my affliction and remember me, and not forget me, but provide me with children which I can give back to you, then I will, indeed, surrender them fully and completely to your glory." (paraphrased) Brayden is an answer to this prayer and I intend to keep my promise of surrendering him and his incredible story to the One who has blessed us with him!
To close, I wanted to let you know that I will do my best to update as much as possible. Our story with Brayden is just beginning and I look forward to continuing to share our adoption journey with all of you. A heartfelt thanks to all of you for your prayers, support and love! Please continue to remember mommy T in your prayers...she is an incredible person with a long road of healing ahead of her.
