It is adoption month!

A friend posted this video to my facebook page.  And although I find it a very good video, it is missing the rest of the story.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsf_z4urc4s

Yes, there is an endless amount of children that need a mother, a father, a good home, someone to love them.  They NEED it!  But even though they need it, they don't always want it.

Samuel and Ruth came home on June 20, 2013.  Nearly 18 months ago.  The adoption was finalized on October 30. They were blessed on November 3.  And our family was sealed in one of the temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for all eternity on December 7.  Samuel and Ruth are our children.  They were meant to be ours from the beginning of time and now they are officially ours according to all the paper work.

They have a mother, a father, a good home, someone to love them.  They have all that they need.

But what the video misses is the rest of the story.  They may need it, and now they have it, but they don't always show that they want it.  In fact, sometimes it seems like they hardly show that they want it at all.  There are days of fits, hitting, angry scowls, yelling, crying, falling down in complete exhaustion. And I'm the mellow one.  I can't describe in words how they sometimes act.  There are no words.  But I am their MOM.  And when I have a bad day, I pray that the next day will be better.

We have reached a point where the fits and tantrums are less.  But we have a ways to go before the need and the want of love come together for us.  Russ and I love all of our children, but as a parent, you know, that when that love is appreciated, it is easier to give.  Our challenge that we have been dealing with is to love unconditionally, like our Savior, Jesus Christ.  He loves all men, whether they love Him back or not.

November is Adoption month.  You will be seeing many posts about adoption.  But I have a challenge for you.  Instead of just "liking" a post or thinking to yourself how adoption is so great, please reach out to someone you know that has adopted.  Not in a casual "how are things going" way (you know the answer will be "just fine").  Reach out in a way that is truly meaningful.  It is a hard hard hard journey............................................but so worth it.  We just need a little help along the way.

And to all the families that I know who have ventured along an adoption journey of their own, I love you, I respect you, and I commend you for the love you are giving to your child(ren).  They need it, even though they don't always show that they want it!!!!!  May God be with you as you take care of one of His most precious spirits.