I have had Etta James’ song in my head a lot this week.\u00a0 It isn’t because the songstress legend passed on recently.\u00a0 It isn’t because I’ve been feeling a little romantic around the edges with Valentine’s Day just around the corner.\u00a0 Nope.\u00a0 It’s because of Samuel.<\/p>\n
When we\u00a0were on our adoption trip to bring\u00a0Samuel home last year this time, his first string of words to us that made us truly chuckle were, “Happy Birthday to Yewwwwww!”<\/p>\n
He said that sasme string of words again and again throughout the past year.\u00a0 In doctor’s offices.\u00a0 To confused relatives.\u00a0 Every S.I.N.G.L.E. time one of his siblings, cousins, uncles, great grandparents (you get the picture) had a birthday.<\/p>\n
Finally – AT LAST! – today is his big day!<\/p>\n
I hear him giggling upstairs waiting not so patiently with his Dad while I make breakfast (okay, type this post, but the bacon is still in the oven, people).\u00a0 The balloons are ready.\u00a0 The presents are stacked on the sideboard.\u00a0 A whole host of his favourite things are on the agenda for today.<\/p>\n
And then I remember Hannah’s Facebook post this morning.\u00a0 Her little Pumpkin has a birthday today too.\u00a0 And a lump forms in my throat and I stop and pray.\u00a0 I’m so thankful that my little Xiao Ba is here with us.\u00a0 But Pumpkin?\u00a0 She still waits for her own special first birthday home with her very own family.\u00a0 And I pray some more.<\/p>\n
She is every bit deserving.\u00a0 Every bit as loved as her “big brother” Samuel.\u00a0 Because it wasn’t too long ago that folks said the same thing about him.\u00a0 So cute.\u00a0 So sweet.\u00a0 Oh I wish someone would step out in faith and make him their own son.\u00a0 I should know – I was once the one saying those words.<\/p>\n
And now?\u00a0 I am so very blessed.\u00a0 He is a delight beyond measure.\u00a0 A delight to His Father too.<\/p>\n
Just like Pumpkin.<\/p>\n