Last month (Nov) was National Adoption month. I learned this from a friend of my sisters who adopted her children. I know our stories are a little different but lately I have been thinking about my two kiddos that I adopted.
Victor and Olivia came into my life when I was 19 and dating their Dad. I just adored them. Victor had just turned 3 and Olivia was 1. Victor talked all the time (not much has changed) and Olivia always wanted me to hold her.
When Carlos and I decided to get married I thought I would be playing the role of a step parent but quickly realized that they needed the stability of a Mom that would always "be there."
The adoption process was very long, stressful and emotional. Carlos and I were also expecting our first child. I am the youngest and really didn't have a lot of experience with little ones. At times I wondered what in the world I was doing and often thought perhaps they were better off without me.
After two years their adoption went through! Every time we got close before, we would have another setback. It was such a relief to have the judge say that they were mine. I was even able to give Olivia my middle name.
I obviously made and still make a lot of mistakes. In the beginning it was hard to forge that bond that comes naturally with your own children. I remember my Mom telling me on a difficult day that "they were not my kids, they were my Heavenly Fathers and he was trusting me to be the best parent I could be for them." That day everything changed.
Victor is now 13 and will be in High School next year. He is such a good kid. He recently served as the Deacon's quorum president. Last year he kept a 4.0 for the whole year. He got a plaque for his hard work. He has such a sensitive heart. If he See's someone crying he will cry (just like me.)
Olivia is always wanting to help and puts everyone before herself. She will be 12 in a month and will soon be in Young Women's with me (I can't wait!) She loves her siblings so much. I often call her " The Little Mommy."
I never would have thought that this is what Heavenly Father had in store for me when he gave me the gift of motherhood but I am grateful for adoption and the opportunity to also give birth to wonderful children. I am reminded everyday of just how special "our story" is.
Thank you Miriam for helping me remember what a blessing adoption is!
The picture is from our wedding day
8 comments:
Kari,
That was beautiful! You are a great Mom to Victor and Olivia. They are blessed to have you as their Mom and we are all blessed that they are in our lives. You are a great Mom and inspire me to be a better one. I love you!
I am so glad I read this. Now I feel like I know you and your family a little better. It is so great to be back in touch.
Sounds like you are a great MOM!!!!!!!
Kari! That post made me cry! For a couple of reasons: first, that picture of Victor and Olivia is too cute for words!! I can't believe their little faces! Adorable! And second, because I know how darn blessed they are to have YOU for a mom! You are such a great example to so many. I love your family's special story. Yay for adoption!
I love your post. I can remember the first time I met Victor and Olivia. I just fell in love with them that day. I was a little scared for you to take on such a big responsibility, but you have done it well. They are truly blessed to have you as their mother.
Kari,
You couldn't have put it better. How blessed we all are to have Victor and Olivia in our family.
Love you,
Mom
I didn't know that you had adopted them...how special. They are very blessed to have such a great mom. Beautiful post, Kari!
I agree adoption is great. Kaleb had the opportunity to adopt Isaac but you wouldn't know it they look alike. Life is great how things work out. Great post.
What a wonderful story. How lucky they are to have a mom like you. You are one of the most compassionate and caring people I know. What a neat story.
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