It’s been a wonderful Saturday, taking 5 out to a few stores and poking around on clearance racks for additions to the boys’ wardrobes. There were a few holes now that summer is creeping into the tail-end of spring. Two happy boys with new shorts and a few new shirts. Three happy girls, one who was napping and the other two adding creativity to the shopping experience of others. 😉

 

It was a simple morning, followed by lunch and two kid haircuts. One in the kitchen and one in front of the TV.

 

It is really simple. But it felt like home.

 

 

I remember sitting in the court room. There were just four of us back then. We sat in a line with the rest of the clan. We held signs, “we’ll take her!” and “we love you Aunt Alyssa!” We got the privilege to attend our Alyssa’s adoption court hearing. She completed the eight of my Matthew’s side. It was cool to hear a dusting of her case. She had been looking. Different foster homes. Trying on families. And then she came home. She choked through tears as she explained to the judge, “When I came to the Stauffer’s I just felt like I was home.” My skin still pricks up when I recall it all.

 

Sweet child of ours. The one that’s out there somewhere wanting a home. I don’t know if we’ve already met you. I don’t know if you’re already going to sleep in the boys’ room. But know that we are longing for you. Like a Mother hen collects her chicks. We’re waiting with anticipation. One is missing.

 

I pray that one day soon. Maybe sooner than I know. You will find us your home.

 

And to “my” sweet boys, I don’t know if I’ll ever get to call you mine. But I love you so. A choice love. And a love that can’t be changed by you not having our last name. And Big Guy? I agree. It would be pretty “cool” if you were born here. Right here amongst this home. And I pray that if we never get the privilege to call you our sons, I pray that you’ll find home. Real home. Where you can feel safe and loved and needed and adored.

 

Home.