Thursday, August 7, 2008

Thankful Thursday






One of the things we heard a lot before we brought Lindy home was how kids love to hear their stories and how important it is to capture AS much of that as possible for them. I try not to lament over the 11 months of her story that I don't have and relish in the parts I do have. She has already started to ask questions and it probably won't be long before we will give her more glimpses of her story.

The funny thing is that "my story" is a bit foggy and I've had every opportunity to hear it. I am beyond close to my parents but I'm not sure I've really heard the full-blown version. I've heard bits and pieces and I think I'm okay. :o) That's up for debate with those who know me well. This Thankful Thursday, I am thankful that my dad shared more of my story with me yesterday as he called to wish me a happy birthday. My story is not dramatic or earth shattering but it is unique to me. My dad lovingly told me things I had not heard--some sad, some funny...I am grateful he took the time to reflect and share. It made the day sweeter for me.

Thinking again of Lindy and her story, one thing I know is that in August of 2004 on or near my birthday I hopped off the fence I'd been sitting on for so long and decided we should proceed to adopt from China. It was time. Honestly, it was past time...Thousands of miles away in China, around that VERY same timeframe, a man and a woman whose names and faces I don't know shared a union and a baby was conceived. Approximately nine months later, on May 8, 2005 (which was Mother's Day), a beautiful baby girl was born. The day after she was born, our paperwork was logged in and months later we were matched with that child. I love knowing that she was formed near my birthday and at the same time I finally chose to embark on the journey. For me, it is the perfect intersecting of our stories and how God knit us together...

Along with what I've documented here, I am thankful that we are one month closer to our next daughter. Nine months down...

What are you thankful for today?

20 comments:

mommy24treasures said...

Happy Birthday Lisa... THank you for always leaving me such encourageing comments and being such a wonderful bloggy friend. I hope your day is wonderful.

3 Peanuts said...

Happy Birthday Lisa! You are such a sweet and giving person and I hope you had a fabulous day!

I love the timing you write about with your birthday and Lindy's story. Surely, there is some special timing for your next daughter as well.


Kim

Chasing Dreams Photography said...

Happy Birthday Lisa!!! Have a wonderful day : )

Danielle Moss said...

Happy Birthday Lisa!

One month closer to Lindy's mei mei :)

May ALL your wishes and dreams come true!

Danielle

Heather said...

Happy Birthday - and today, dear friend, I am thankful for you.

A beautiful post...you could not be more special. I'd love to know your story, the whole thing:)

Thinking of you, loving you and praying for you always.

Love,
Heather

Kate said...

You were such a beautiful baby Lisa!! And of course grew even more beautiful as the years passed!! I never knew about your red thread to sweet Lindy (and seriously...why is it, I MUST refer to her as SWEET Lindy everytime I write...there's just something so special about her!)...that was some tale...really something. And how she will appreciate knowing all that one day. Beautiful.

Kate

Kay Bratt said...

That is what I call fate.

Your daughter is beautiful

Just hoppin' through.

Kay

Football and Fried Rice said...

Wow, Lisa!

that is precious that you have these memories for Lindy about her birth. You may not "know" a lot, but this a a wonderful part of the red thread you share! I can see how every Birthday would be so special to you!!

hugs!

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday~ this was a beautiful post!!!

Have a wondeful weekend,

Krista

Amie said...

Happy Birthday Lisa! I hope you know what a blessing you are to so many people. You shine your light for everyone to see, and it is contagious. I just adore you. Seriously. I am so Blessed to call you a friend. I only wish you loved closer!

What a beatiful post. I love the story! I always LOVE your thankful Thursday posts! Thanks for sharing a smile!

:)
Amie

Danielle Caples said...

Hmm, if Lindy was conceived on or near your birthday, we can guess your parents were a little busy on your 2nd birthday as well.

Happy Birthday sister!

Ashton said...

That is a great way to think about your next daughter being home!

Ashton said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
DiJo said...

You and Lindy look gorgeous in these photos! I love hearing how God connected the dots in Lindy's story! What a blessing that your Dad shared more with you on your special day! Of course, even on this Saturday, I am thankful for you!

Hugs,
Di

Kellyann said...

How touching! How the heck are you by the way! Kind of lost track of you.

Jenn said...

Happy Belated Birthday!!!

I'm so bummed 'cause I saw you last week and didn't know it was so close to your birthday!! Going to have to remember this for next year! :o)

I love the story about your birthday and Lindy. God is so sweet--He just loves to delight us doesn't He! Such a good Father!

Praising our Father for YOU!!

Blessings,
Jenn

Deborah said...

What a wonderful, positive way of thinking, Lisa! That is contagious and will be spread to your beautiful daughter, soon to be, daughters. Blessings, Deborah

Michelle R Photography said...

What a special thing for you to share this special date with your daughter, as well as to learn more about your story from your father. I love the photos from your birthday! Just beautiful.

redmaryjanes said...

Happy Belated Birthday!
And congrats on being 9 months closer : )

Jaime said...

Happy B-day. It is so wonderful that Lindy is now in your life to share your all your days. Can't wait to get to know your next daughter. Everyday brings you one day closer!