We've been asking everyone to pray that Jonathon will feel safe through the potentially traumatic transition from our hands, to semi-familiar Butterfly Children's Hospice staff, to strangers of the state welfare institute, and finally to his new parent's embrace. That is how it was slated to go. That is policy.
Just this morning I was given special permission, an exception to policy, by the top of the state welfare institute to personally bring Jonathon to his parents' arms on Monday morning! By a string of personal connections, earning respect these years, and great favor, policy is being broken in Jonathon's best interests!
Who would have imagined that God would arrange it this way, and do far more than we knew to ask. Jonathon's whole story has been one of favor. Today my grief of losing Jonathon is completely engulfed in elation, that we could bring Jon right to his Mommy & Daddy's arms!
9:00PM US Central Time: Titus, Mike and I present Jonathon to his forever family. It'll be Monday morning here, the first day of the rest of Jonathon's life, a life that I am sure will be overflowing with nurture and true love in his new family.
***This is an excerpt from our email newsletter sent earlier this week. We write these once in a blue moon. If you would like to receive them please let me know.
counting the graces
thank you Father for
whole day away with two dear Mom friends, our broods playing together, green grass, fish pond and air conditioning
a walk, alone
freedom from feeling responsible/guilty for loved ones' bad choices
parable of the sower
closure-giving process of packing and preparing Jon and creating photo album
three boys in silly, uncontrollable laughter at the dinner table
kids give two thumbs up to the movie Charlotte's Web
run, to burn off stress and grief
run, to burn off stress and grief
with Uncle Jared: french toast breakfast, storybooks, Jon riding on his shoulders, sandbox, a playful morning
encouragement, understanding and words of experiential wisdom from Jen, Mom & Dad
bathing Jon one last time
Praising the Father for His Grace. Feeling a lot of love for you, Drew, Michael and Titus.
ReplyDeleteAs a mum of a Chinese son who had a very rough transition, I am so happy to read this news. What a difference this will make for all of you... especially for Jonathan. Life is good!
ReplyDeleteBig hug to you all!