Tomorrow, Tomorrow

I think after a week of increasing anxiety, my body finally gave in to exhaustion.  I slept very well last night.  I woke this morning and looked up at the sunrise.  Spent a lot of time thinking.  We got dressed for the cold January air and headed to church.

Our old Protestant church stands proudly at the corner of a suburban intersection.  It has a long history of strong, compassionate parishioners.  Today's congregation is no exception.  After delivering the sermon, our pastor called everyone forward to surround my family.  We held hands and bowed our heads.  Together we prayed for the success of our adoption, for strength for our birth mother and for a healthy child.  I did well until I uttered the words, "We pray for a successful adoption because this has been such a long journey."  Then the floodgates opened.  All the sadness, the disappointment, the heaviness of the past few years poured out of my heart and soul.  In that moment, I felt the strength of my church in a whole new way.  It's like when you tell someone you love them.  You mean it.  You mean it or you wouldn't say it.  But when you actually, truly feel the weight of that statement...it's life changing.  The energy in the sanctuary of our one hundred year old church was that of pure light.  
 
We enjoyed a family lunch and then went to the grocery store for a few items.  We still can't imagine being very hungry next week, but we did pick up a few snacks for our stay at the hospital.  Once home we checked our bags, made sure we have everything in order and now we're trying to stay occupied.  Hubby is watching football, I'm working on this and that.  We will definitely spend lots of cuddle time with our boys (cats) this evening.  They will always be our kids too, even if they are fanged and a little fluffier.

Tomorrow is the first day of the rest of our lives.  We are thankful to every single person who has, in their own way, helped us through this process.  To those who have prayed and who continue to pray, those who have supported us emotionally, mentally and spiritually.  Your words have been like a comforting embrace.  Your shows of love are priceless.  Our journey isn't over...it's only beginning.  We pray that you will continue to be part of our adventure.