Redemption

Most of my posts are pretty upbeat.  However, every once in awhile I feel the need to throw one in that shows some of the struggles that come through adoption.

I have been pretty honest on here about how Brooks has struggled through our adoption process. As I sit and reflect on the past year and a half I realize just how much change and loss he has experienced. Don't get me wrong, he has gained far more.  I will get to that In a minute.

Brooks was 2.5 when we began the adoption process. There is no way that a child his age could conceptualize what it means to be an orphan, to adopt, to gain a sister.  When we traveled hr was just over 3.  There is no way that a child his age could conceptualize what it means for his parents to leave for two weeks, come home exhausted carrying a 14 month old who acted more like a 9 month old and demanded all of his mommy and daddy's attention. That being said, our boy struggled with loss. He lost his role of baby, he lost two mornings a week with just his mommy, he lost his bedroom, he lost all of the attention that his doting big sister used to give to just him.

BUT because our Lord is a redeemer, He has done great things.

                                       

                                                              

These two have the most beautiful relationship.  They are completely in love.  Brooks is her protecter and she his best audience. 

The other day we allowed the kids to watch Olivia's Gotcha Day video for the first time. When Brooks saw how Olivia grieved, he wept. He wept with sobs that turned to anger as he hid under the kitchen table.  I held him and he said, "It's not fair that she was all alone in China mommy. It makes me so sad."  He is right. It's. Not. Fair.  But, we are so blessed. He is so blessed. His little sister is now home. 

Brooks is now 4.  This is how old Kyrie was when we started the adoption process. He gets it now. They both get it.  So now when people ask me the question that I most often get, "How are the kids adjusting?"  I will say "Great.  Absolutely beautifully."

We are ALL counting down the days until we have the honor of celebrating our princess turning 2. Five days to be exact.