Today we celebrate how God made us a family through adoption! Below is an excerpt from my book Bringing Home the Missing Linck: A Journey of Faith to Family. I will be giving away a copy of my book in honor of Jackson’s Gotcha Day! Just leave a comment below for your chance to win! Here’s a glimpse of Jackson’s official Gotcha Day two years ago!
Butterflies fluttered in my stomach. We had waited six months to finalize Jackson’s adoption, and April 30, 2012, would officially be his Gotcha Day!
His birthmother had appeared before the judge a few weeks after Jackson’s birth. John and I had sat in the back row of the courtroom and watched as the judge asked her if she was certain of her decision to relinquish her rights. He had been gruff, making sure she realized how serious her decision was and that it couldn’t be changed. My mom reassured me that the mood of the courtroom would be much brighter than it had been the day his birthmother had appeared. The judge had intimidated me, and I worried he’d be just as serious when we stood before him.
“I really want a photo with the judge for Jackson’s adoption book,” I told John as we drove to the courthouse. “What if he doesn’t want to take a photo with us?” I didn’t know why I was so nervous. From the moment Jackson was born, he had been mine. I didn’t need a judge to tell me I was his mother.
Our attorney was waiting for us when we arrived at the courthouse, as were our friends Justin and Jessica. As we walked into the courtroom, I was prepared for another serious hearing. However, my mom was right again.
“Feel free to walk around the courtroom and take as many photos as you’d like,” the court clerk said.
I handed my camera to Jessica as John, Jackson, and I approached the bench. After we were sworn in, our attorney began the proceeding.
“Your Honor, on behalf of John and Jennifer Linck, I would like to request that the adoption of their son be finalized. He has been in their custody since his birth on December 14.”
“Are you sure you’re ready for all the ups and downs of parenthood?” the judge asked.
“Yes, sir,” I said enthusiastically.
“No, you’re not,” the judge said with a smile. “He’s going to stay out late, and you’ll worry yourself sick. It’s going to get harder.”
I couldn’t imagine anything being as hard as the first few months had been. We all laughed at the judge’s sense of humor. There were no tears that day. Just hearts full of gratitude.
“I hereby declare the adoption of Jackson Henry Linck final,” the judge said as he whacked his gavel on the bench.
“Your Honor, would it be okay if we took a photo with you?” I asked.
“Of course,” he said. “Why don’t we stand in front of the bench?” He stepped down, and we gathered around for the photo.
“One, two, three,” Jessica said. The flash went off, capturing the moment we officially became a Forever Family.
This post was written as a response to Holley Gerth’s Coffee for your Heart link up prompt: For more encouragement click here! I am also linking up for Three Word Wednesday. You can join the fun here.
I love Gotcha Days !!!!!!!
Kelli –
The perfect excuse to celebrate!!!
Had our final meeting with our social worker last night, our profile should be circulating soon and hopefully our Gotcha Day is just around the corner!! 🙂
Kate –
How exciting! The waiting can be hard, but it’s SO worth it! Hoping you have a little one in your arms SOON!
Will you be at CAFO? I would love to hear your story and get a book of my own. As an adoptive mom and orphan advocate, nothing touches more lives or mobilizes others to action like sharing our stories of adoption and redemption with others. 🙂
Julie – I won’t be at CAFO this year. Maybe next year?? I would love to attend. If you don’t win the book today, it’s available for purchase on the blog or through Amazon. I could also sign a copy and mail it to you 🙂
I couldn’t agree with you more. Our stories matter and can have a huge impact on others. Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today!
We celebrate Gotcha day every year for our 4 oldest! Hopefully we will be blessed to finalize our 2 youngest who are still in foster care soon! We are praying for them to be our forever kids! They are both 2 yrs old- just 5 months apart. They have both been with us for over 2 yrs. Adoption/foster is my heart!
Rachel –
I hope you will be celebrating those other Gotcha Days VERY soon! What a blessing you are to those kiddos! Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today!
Rachel – You’re the winner of the book! Email me your address and I will get a signed copy in the mail to you! Congrats!
Yay! Thanks! Adoption has my heart!! 🙂
I will forever remember when my daughter’s adoption was finalized…so very emotional and such joy!!
Mary – Yes! So many great memories and emotions! I remember thinking I would cry the day we finalized, but it was just a happy, happy, day! No tears!
Hearing those happy stories of Gotcha days always make me tear up. I have three boys we adopted from birth and we will be finalizing my daughters adoption next week. The experience is one you will never forget. The world finally recognizes what is already in my heart…they are my children!
Michele –
Congrats on the upcoming finalization of your daughter’s adoption! How exciting! Yes, I totally agree…we don’t need a judge to declare they are our children 🙂 They had our hearts the moment we held them!
We are currently waiting for match in domestic infant adoption. Thank you for your insightful and encouraging blog! Blessings!
Cindy – How exciting! I know the waiting can be hard, but it is SO worth it! Praying you get a match soon!
Ooo! What a neat story! I’m glad you were able to get your picture. It’s special to be able to hold a piece of that day in your hand.
This is just so wonderful. What a beautiful story. I’m so glad you got your picture too. Thank you so much for sharing with TWW. I love having you join us there. Much love.