Forever Family Day

Three years ago today we left for China as a couple, anxious to hold our baby in our arms for the first time. When that magical moment happened, it literally took my breath away. This child -- this beautiful, little child -- was to be our daughter forever.

The experience forever changed our lives. We learned with absolute certainty that connection by blood is not what makes a family. We learned that we had a lot of love to give. But most importantly, we learned that when you give love, you receive even more in return.

This year, the marking of this anniversary means something a little different to me. We had the privilege of meeting Maelyn's foster parents when we were in China this past November and the experience was one hard to describe in words. Now, when I think about the day that she became a part of our family, I also think about the family that cared for her for 21 months and had to say goodbye. Maelyn's foster mother said that on that day, they all cried -- Maelyn cried the hardest of them all. The experience of leaving the only family you know and being handed to two strangers must have been scary -- something I couldn't even imagine going through.

Adoption is about losses and love gained. It is heartbreaking and it also has the ability to mend hearts. We are so very blessed by the miracle of adoption and we thank Maelyn for making us a Mommy and a Daddy -- we are hers, forever.

(Here is the link to our post on that day...  http://ourjourneytomaelynwanhao.blogspot.ca/2010/06/family-day.html )