"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet regardless of time, place or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle but it will never break." -Chinese Proverb



20.6.12

The Greats

Rob and I have been blessed throughout our lives to have family and friends that cherish us and that we cherish.  People who were our cheerleaders through IVF and adoption.  They have since fallen in love with Adrien (how can you not) though there is a set of people in our lives that started as his cheerleading section, loving him, nurturing him and caring for him before us.  They are the Greats, now lovingly known as Grandma and Grampa.  They were his foster parents and lifeline for 9  months though their impact on him and us is everlasting.
The Greats: a loving couple with three adult children and (currently) 9 grandchildren, a couple who love God and live by His word, a couple that love and respect each other, that work together to nurture many many many children (including their own).  A couple who live life as it should be lived, with a belief in God, strong family ties, strong community ties and so smart about life.  Above and beyond all, when I think of the Greats, the first word that comes to mind is LOVE.  These two people LOVE....everything and appreciate everything around them.  I could go on and on about how wonderful they are, though I want to share about what they do for my son.  Three years after he has been in our home, they are still a part of his life, a BIG part.  We visit regularly, talk on the phone and this blog was started as a way to share with them his progress in life.  They have welcomed us, as a family, with open arms into their lives and love us for our strengths, and when asked, will support us with our needs.  They are Adrien's only link to his life before us and I thank them for being open about talking about his first mom, their impressions and thoughts.
Grandma has a very special spot in my heart, aside from loving Adrien, she loves me.  I know she does (and appreciates when she tells me she does), she has made me feel welcomed into her home since day 1 and continues to make me feel comfortable.  I love talking to her, hearing her insight on issues....being around her is so calming for me, I feel as she has adopted me into her life as a daughter and I love her for it. She is someone I can share anything about my life with and know that she is not judging me. I remember the first visit, when I was so overwhelmed with feelings about meeting Adrien, she embraced me and held on to me as tight as I held on to her (and for that, I will, D, never be able to thank you enough)
Grampa is a gentle soul who loves all the children that pass through his home.  He takes the time to talk to and play with these little children, even when he's trying to work.
Last night we went for a visit.  Adrien was excited the whole way up....Grampa was outside laying mulch when we arrived and when Adrien saw his, his eyes lit up and he couldn't get out of the car fast enough, running (jumping) into Grampa's outreached arms.  At the door, Adrien flew into Grandma's arms, talking a mil a minute.  They spent so much time together, talking, playing and singing.  Adrien insists on sitting between them for dinner! And was so proud when he announced that he and Grampa were so hungry from all the hard work they had done.
I truly love these people, I can't say enough about the amazing work they do......because they want to, because they love so much.....
Last night, on the way home, Adrien was glowing.....GLOWING....and talked non stop the whole way home, singing the song the three of them had sung earlier.....  His cup was running over.....and so was mine.
Thank you for your hands in his future.....and ours
Thank you Grandma and Grampa Great!  Just being in your presence feeds our soul.....We love you so much and you are important members of our family.

2 comments:

  1. What a blessing to have people in your lives like this that can light everyone up. They sound like incredible people with an incredible amount of love.

    Thank you for sharing.

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  2. This made me weep with joy, for all of you. Wonderful photograph.

    ReplyDelete