Stopping the Clock

The kids and I were in the car yesterday returning home after visiting with an old friend. Well, not an "old" friend, actually...but rather a dear friend. You know what I mean?  Anyway...you can read more about that here.

On the ride home, we were near the Mausoleum in Boca Raton, where Daniel's ashes "live," so we did not want to pass up a chance to stop.

As we neared the cemetery, Sophia (one of Madi's "sisters") made the observation that Madi is so much closer to Charlie than she was with Daniel. 

I, then, pointed out how Charlie's been part of our family for over two years now, and that Daniel was only with us for four months. I followed up my explanation with, "Doesn't it seem like he was with us for so much longer?"

Sophia replied, "Wow, Auntie Lisa...it's like God stopped the clock for us." 

Such a profound statement from an eight year-old child, isn't it? I wish she had given me that quote before I published the book!

Thank you, Sophia, for your wonderful perspective. Yes, it definitely seems like God stopped the clock for us so that our time with Daniel seems like an eternity.  

Praise Jesus.

The Call

I remember it well, four years ago on this date.

I was driving home in our brand new minivan. Madi and my friend's daughter, Julianna, were in the back seat. We were coming home from the grocery store and the bank when my cell phone rang.

I remember exactly where I was, too, when the call came in. Stopped at a red light, the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Barwick Road. When I saw the caller ID register "Beth Smith," our contact with Holt International Children's Services, my heart skipped a beat. After all this time, the moment's still fresh in my brain.

Two weeks prior, my Mother-in-Law lost her six-year long battle with uterine cancer. We were by her side for the slow decline of her health; her spirit never failed. When that phone call came from our adoption agency, I just knew in my heart that Grandma Pauline was already calling in favors up in Heaven.

"We have a little boy who needs a home," Beth said. I felt the sting of tears as I took in the details of this 18-month old toddler. I desperately needed to "keep it together" in front of the kids, so they wouldn't be aware of what might be unfolding. I called Jimmy right away to prepare his heart.

I made it home with the kids; I'm surprised I remembered how to drive, since my adrenaline was kicked up several notches. I raced into the house, shaking, and waited for the email to arrive. I waited for Jimmy to get home, too.

Together, we opened the email, and there he was. It felt so surreal to meet our son this way.  Those medical conditions listed on his file were completely foreign to both Jimmy and me, and truly...they really didn't matter.

We loved him already. We knew he was destined to be ours.

Jimmy and I did the research about his heart conditions and the medical procedures involved. We battled with fear over the weeks to come. But the work of the Holy Spirit had already been done. God had already opened our hearts to this beautiful special needs orphan whose greatest need was the love of a family.

What struck us most was that he was given up at seven months of age. Our hearts broke for that child who had to have known love. What was going on in that impressionable little mind of his? Jimmy and I agonized over those thoughts. It hurt our hearts to know he was alone.

You know the rest of the story. And if you aren't familiar with it, I've shared Daniel's life in our family, from beginning to end, in the book. I invite you to share in our journey and read about this precious little boy who changed our lives and our hearts.

Forever.

Teresa

You might have seen Facebook postings about Teresa's heart transplant. Perhaps you've been following her family's story all along. Or maybe you saw her precious face on the Today Show. You can read all about her on their family blog.  Teresa's funeral took place this morning.

Our adoption community (and the world) lost a beautiful princess this week, but Heaven gained a most beautiful angel. There were literally thousands of people praying for her--over five thousand--just on the Facebook prayer group alone. This child's reach has been amazing, and as everyone came together to pray for her survival, her passing reminded us that God doesn't always answer prayers the way we expect Him to. 

I hear, through the family's Facebook prayer group, that they are standing strong. I am not surprised. That is surely one of the blessings in loss. It's as if God puts you in a protective bubble. They are surrounded by so much love and support right now. And though grief--as we know--comes in waves, it sounds like they've made a choice to rejoice. This is when real faith kicks in--when we ask ourselves that question from the back cover of With an Open Heart:

"What happens when we have one plan, and God has another?  Do you still believe?

Their family's motto, all along, has been "Believe in Miracles."  They are a faith-filled family, and I feel certain that they still do believe. Teresa's life has been nothing short of a miracle. Teresa loved Jesus so much, that the Catholic Church made a special exception and allowed her to receive her first communion early. She earned that ticket to Heaven.

Tiaras are now being sported all over the world. Families have been inspired to adopt. New charitable organizations have been born, and the ripple effect for the greater good continues. Hearts are bursting open with love--all over the map--because of this one child. There are even mentions that Teresa may become a saint. Her life has made an enormous impact on many. How can you not be joyful about that?  Praise Jesus.

This is one of the ways in which Teresa has impacted me.  I noticed, through the prayer group, that many people were writing about their own little angels, in order to provide words of comfort and inspiration to the family. And then I realized that there are so many other parents out there, like us, who've lost children and have beautiful angels in Heaven meeting Teresa! 

And on the day she went to Heaven, I imagined Teresa being surrounded by children. I believe that Daniel was there to greet her, and it became obvious that other members of the group believe their babies and children were there to greet Teresa, too. 

So, Teresa inspired me to create a Facebook group designed for families who have "Angel Babes." I wanted those of us with angels to connect, so we could all imagine them forming a big circle of love around Teresa. It's not always easy to talk about loss with those who haven't shared such a devastating, yet beautiful, experience. The group has been more of a blessing than I ever imagined or anticipated. The stories I have read are the most amazing and powerful testimonies, much like Teresa's, to the goodness of God! Our forum is also be a "safe" place where we can share ourselves with those who've experienced a similar loss. And even though some members have wounds that are very fresh, it is clear that the group has already proven to be an incredible support system. Teresa is with some wonderful little friends up there.

I hope that someday the Bartlinski family will join us in the group, so they, too, can know some of Teresa's new friends. They, along with sweet Princess Teresa, will always be "honorary members," and on each anniversary of Teresa's passing (July 1st), we will remember her and thank her for bringing us together.

Please continue to pray for their family as they pick up the pieces. If you feel moved to give to their "Believe in Miracles" charity, the information can be found on their website. 

Half the Sky Foundation, who was also instrumental in our Daniel's care, has also created a fund in Teresa's name. Here is the link.

Thank you, Bartlinski family, for sharing your story of faith, love, and courage with the world. This weekend, as we reflect upon receiving the referral--four years ago--of our own China "heart baby" who resides in Heaven, we remember and celebrate your angel, too.