Monday, June 27, 2011

TO BE HONEST....

To be honest, I was so scared that not only Lucy wouldn't like me, but I was even more scared that I wouldn't attach to her in the same way a mother bonds to her birth child. Some of you know me pretty well, and others, not so much. I have admitted in the past that I am not very maternal. I do not gravitate towards children, and they really don't gravitate to me. Most of my adult life thus far has never consisted of the mission to have children, and adopting was NEVER an option. How in the world could I love someone else's child??? Just not going to happen. Well I am morphing into the woman that God wants me to be, I am open and letting him work in my heart and mind. Granted, I have a love for people, all people, but children have always been a little different. Ragen came along and turned my world upside down. I have become a "Momma Bear", a mother that would die in an instant for her child without hesitation...I would give anything for her. After learning about all the orphans with DS that are suffering in Eastern Europe, I couldn't help but think of my Ragen. What if it were her? What if she were born there? What if, what if, what if...hence the decision to adopt. But all along my biggest fear was, I won't bond, love, attach to this child because she is "not from me". It took God giving me a biological child to really and truly love children, all children, and especially a special love for children with DS. Lucy is not from my body, so what will I do if I do not "love" her like I love Ragen??? The fear was really overwhelming. I never have really talked about it openly, not even with Rob. I was embarrassed and ashamed...I was afraid of friends and family thinking, "why in the world is she adopting then?" But I trusted God. I knew that not only would He not leave us through this entire process, but I also trusted that He would provide EVERYTHING we would need to bring this child home, into a LOVING home. We all depend on God for the financial obligations, to make this process a smooth one, BUT, I wonder how many others might feel the way I did/do and that fear keeps them from taking a leap of faith, and really depending on God for EVERYTHING, including our feelings? I've prayed so hard through this process for God to provide a bond, a mother/child love, a love that I have for Ragen. I prayed non-stop when we landed on this soil, especially before we were to meet her. The minute I laid eyes on this child, God gave me the exact feeling that I had the minute I gave birth to Ragen. I loved her the exact same way. I loved her the minute I saw her and my love is growing each and every day. This provision from God has got to be the greatest gift He has given me throughout this entire process. I can't wait to see her, to touch her, to hug her, to give her kisses, to laugh with her, to feed her, to play with her, to hold her, to tell her I love her....all those things that I LOVE to do with Ragen. I am amazed that God has changed me so much, and He has provided EVERYTHING that we need to make our home a happy, nourishing, loving, God-filled environment. Thank you Lord. Thank you for my precious angels and I am so looking forward to see what you have in store for our future as a family!

13 comments:

  1. So touching Deanna!!! I am in tears, I know it was probably very hard to write, but these types of posts are the ones that help people understand they can too adopt and that just because we didn't give birth to them we CAN still love them! Thank you for your honesty! Love you!!!

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  2. oh God Deanna that was so moving! I never thought about it that way. I've never heard anyone admit that. hats off to the honesty from both you and your hubby this week. I hope and pray people who have the same doubts as you did are reading, that God will lead them hear to see that all they really have to do is trust in God. He really will provide everything! gosh Deanna so many people can benefit from this post.

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  3. Deanna,

    Your honesty is refreshing and much appreciated. I am certain that the question of "will I love someone else's child the same as my own?" is very common. How wonderful it is that God has blessed you & Lucy with that special bond. The Lord led you to each other and I just know Lucy is going to thrive with you as her mama!

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  4. I am just loving following along on your amazing journey to bring home your beautiful daughter. Thank you for the completely wonderful and honest post and PRAISE GOD as he has worked another miracle!

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  5. Thank you Deanna!! And also Rob!! I didn't leave a comment (I don't think) on his post but BOTH of you have shared such profound and heartfelt words, you might never know how deeply you have touched others. God has given you two wonderful, beautiful gifts in your girls. Praying your time there continues to go smoothly, and quickly, and your love continues to grow!! Love & prayers!! Mel

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  6. How am I just NOW seeing this? I reckon being sickly will do it, huh?

    I love your openness, Deanna. You make my heart smile.

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  7. Me too...sorry I missed this earlier!!!! Me and Christie and all our yuckies have kept us busy. So proud of you! I never doubted for one second that you would not attach to her instantly!!!! So proud of you and happy for you all!!!!! Xoxo

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  8. that was so beautiful deanna..you have a beautiful heart ..looking forward to reading of the future adventures of ragen and lucy xxxx

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  9. I have been commenting on FB, but I know how much I cherish comments made during our adoptions on the girls blogs. I loved Rob's post, and this one too. I think a lot of us wonder if we will have the same love for a child we did not carry inside us, I know I did. I also learned like you, that the love we feel for our children can and does spread to our children born in our hearts too. I am so happy for you and your husband, I know being there is going to present challenges for you, and you will see and hear things from the culture that sadden you, but the journey to adopt is a very life changing one, one you will never forget!! Kris adopted Kara from Kyiv region 2007.

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  10. I am not surprised at your immediate love for Lucy!! You have a heart as pure as gold!!! Wow...Ragen and Lucy are blessed indeed. Can't wait for you to get home with that little angel. God bless your time with her.

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  11. Just beautiful...thank you for being so honest and open about your struggle. I have waited 41 years to have a little girl and still sometimes I think...what am I going to do with a little girl when I have all these boys...thank you again...wonderful post I can so relate to.

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  12. I love as we share our fears and concerns with God he gently removes them. So thankful that this concern is a thing of the past. Look forward to watching your bond grow.

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  13. Very good!! Bill and I both liked your post and Rob's. Thank you both for sharing your hearts!! Miss you sweet lady!!

    Hugs,
    Sheri

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