Dear Lydia,
Today is a special day. I know you don’t remember it, but you know it well; you’ve watched the video over and over again, so many times you may think you remember it.
I remember it very clearly, sweet girl. My heart was beating out of my chest as we crossed that street and entered a cold office building with great expectations of meeting you. I was nervous. I was scared. But, I wanted you so much. I was overwhelmed that day–you took my breath away when you entered the room in your ayi’s arms. And, I am not sure when I actually caught my breath again.
Two years later, as I consider this day, I find myself thinking more about your experience of it than my own. Your life changed that day, Lydia Mei. You were the child God had called us to adopt into our family, the one we had planned for and dreamed about for years. But, I recognize that there is more to today.
You are young now, only 3 years old. Your days are filled with jumping, dancing, climbing, falling down, and laughing, playing with your brothers and sister, testing boundaries, and learning about how things work and why things are the way they are. We talk about China and what makes us different and what makes us the same. But, right now, you don’t care much about it.
As time goes on, we will keep on talking about China and showing you pictures and dreaming aloud because I want you to know that when you do care about it, I’m here. When you have questions that are hard to ask and maybe even harder to answer, I’m here. I will be honest with you as I’m able, and I’ll be quiet and simply be with you when no words seem right.
Two years ago today, we held you for the first time and started to get to know you as our beloved daughter. But, you were already a precious treasure before we met you, before we even knew your face. You are His masterpiece, Lydia, from the very beginning.
With a full heart,
Mama
That brought tears to my eyes. So sincere and full of love.
Beautiful, just beautiful. The post & of course, sweet Lydia! (& am I crazy or does she look like you Kelly? Really. Isn’t it funny how that happens? Or not funny You are her momma! But, really. She does favor you in many ways. Not that it matters. Just sayin’…Kind of like, I am 6’1 & Brynn is OFF THE CHARTS tall. When people comment on her height that maybe don’t know she was adopted, Thomas will often nudge me with his elbow, wink at me, & say, “She gets that from her momma.”. I can’t help but grin.)
Jen P.
Kelly, what a truly beautiful post. Your sweet girl will treasure this in years to come. How wise you are to speak to her with such openness and wisdom and love!
What a sweet post! As time moves on, I find myself forgetting my daughters’ beginnings as they mesh themselves into their family. It is as if they’ve always been with us. The five years since our first adoption seems like an eternity. But, I love to remember the moment each was placed in my arms.
Very touching, Kelly. And I love the photo.
Seems like yesterday we were all still waiting…remember the book club? How fast time flies! Happy anniversary Lydia!
Such a special, thoughtful letter. My, how she has grown and flourished. This means that it was about a two years ago that we first spoke by phone about the pronunciation of “Yue”. :)
my heart is touched and moved and thrilled…that you would honor YOUR story and HER story at the same time. amazing how both brokenness and beauty consistently coexist. may you continue to have the openness and insight and honesty to share and tell and grieve right alongside your sweet girl. i trust that God has the ability to redeem in surprising and gigantic ways. so glad to have met you! keep writing!
Beautiful post!
Blessings,
Tasha
I knew you would write a beautiful post, Kelly. Your words are perfect and I pray will one day be of great comfort to your precious Lydia. Wonderful post for such a special occasion. Happy Adoption Day Lydia! I am so blessed to be on this journey with you Kelly!
Precious precious post~ we have gotchas one day apart. I am forever changed by Carissa’s talk this past weekend. I ordered her book and waiting for it to arrive!!! I love what you wrote to Lydia~ Blessings and love!!! XOXO
What a beautiful post:)!
Congrats on your family day anniversary. Such an incredible time! Lydia has just changed leaps and bounds!!!
Oh how I remember that day! Hanging on to- nearly tripping over- your posts knowing that I was soon to follow…soaking in every word and tidbit you shared! What a blessing she is! And I love seeing how she has blossomed in your family! Happy forever day, Lydia!
Oh how I remember that day! Hanging on to- nearly tripping over- your posts knowing that I was soon to follow…soaking in every word and tidbit you shared! What a blessing she is! And I love seeing how she has blossomed in your family! Happy forever day, Lydia!
I’ve lost 2 comments that I’ve tried to send…maybe you got them…not sure…
So remember that precious day! Loved seeing the pictures and hearing about the trip- knowing I was soon to follow! Lydia has blossomed with your love! Such a sweetie!
COMPLETELY SOBBING HERE!! HOW precious and heartfelt! You are a WONDERFUL momma! I LOVE to read what flows from your heart and for your family! Thank you, THANK YOU for sharing with all of US! Blessings and Hugs sweet sister! :)
Beautiful. Happy day.
This is absolutely beautiful, Kelly.
This is absolutely beautiful, Kelly.
tears :) i love it!!