Last Saturday I was roaming around Target. There wasn’t much to do on a cold, rainy day. As I passed the toddler clothes and cute little shoes, I felt a twinge of sadness.
I don’t shop those little sizes anymore and the big boy clothes just aren’t as fun.
It seems like just yesterday that God revealed His plan for us to adopt a baby boy.
I will never forget the day I held our birthmothers hand during the ultrasound – or the tears that fell when the technician announced I would have a son.
I will never forget cutting Jackson’s umbilical cord – silently praying I wouldn’t pass out.
I will never forget the first time the nurse placed my son in my arms – the child I had spent years praying for.
I will never forget how adoption made me a mother.
But can I be honest, there are moments when I forget Jackson is adopted.
No, we don’t share the same DNA, but we share a love for Dr Pepper, the beach and daily trips to Classic 50’s.
We share chocolate brown eyes and a bond that is unbreakable.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I was meant to be his mama and he was meant to be my son.
I did not give birth to this boy, but the love I have for him is immeasurable.
He is a total Mama’s Boy (I’m not complaining!)
Motherhood has been such a refining process for me.
It’s been hard and holy, messy, mundane and glorious.
Being Jackson’s mom has taught me more about God’s love and grace than any other job or relationship ever has.
He’s taught me what unconditional love it all about.
He’s taught me about perseverance and grit.
He’s taught me about forgiveness.
He’s taught me to slow down and savor the simple moments that matter most.
Today we celebrate our 7th Gotcha Day!
What God gave me in this little boy is beyond what I could have hoped for.
His smile is radiant.
His joy contagious.
His sense of humor spot one.
He is my miracle.
He is my son.
Forever.
*** To read our entire adoption story, check out my book Bringing Home the Missing Linck: A Journey of Faith to Family. You can get it here.