I've written this post in my mind throughout the week and I am driven to tears each time I think of what today represents...the day our sweet Lauren was placed in our arms for the first time. As I watch the videos from one year ago, I am amazed at how far Lauren has come in such a short time. She is a different child and yet I still see the resilience and determination in her today that I saw one year ago. I remember as we gave her her first bath that night, I was surprised to see how resourceful she was despite being so tiny and young. The video's of Gotcha Day are much harder to watch now than they were a year ago because I know HER now. The girl who deserves all the best life has to offer and yet her first two years were soo so hard. She was sick and frail when we held her for the first time. She had markings that revealed part of her past that is hard to think about now. And yet, I am thankful that she was loved by her nannies and taken care of as well as she could be.
A few weeks ago Lauren and I were sitting together and she started to talk, "mamma I was scaaarrred..." and it was a few minutes into the conversation that I realized she was telling me about some of her memories and it took all I could to stay calm and listen and reassure her. As she talked in her little voice, I just prayed that God would give me wisdom and the right words to comfort her and let her know we will always be here for her. She gave me a big hug at the end of our conversation and I could tell we had just experienced a moment I would never forget.
~Lauren, Daddy and I have loved you long before you were born and we are so thankful God gave us amazing, special, you.
Well, today one year later, we had a great time celebrating our 1st anniversary. I put the following album together. Enjoy. :)
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Also, go to the Hertzler Family link at the right...they finally have their sweet Makaila in their arms!! Congratulations Lisa!!
