Thursday, May 1, 2008

Adoption Day Anniversary

One year ago today we were in court for Tanner's adoption! We watched the adoption video together this morning and Tanner loved it! It was fun watching it with him and seeing his expressions and excitement. Tonight, he wants to eat pizza to celebrate, so, that's what we'll do!

May 1, 2007, what dreams we had! Dreams we never even imagined when Tanner came to live with us on Jan. 28, 2005 as a foster child. We always assumed Tanner would be with us for a short time and then he would leave until God brought other children into our lives. What different plans God had for us, exciting, wonderful plans that we never could have dreamed.

Then, September 27, 2006, our lives changed when we were in court and realized we were going to be able to adopt Tanner. How fun to dream about his future and our future as a family; where will he go to college, who will he marry, what nursing home will he put us in :). Then, new changes again when in March we received the diagnosis of leukodystrophy.

When we were becoming foster parents, we knew that we would love whomever came into our lives for a just a little while before their next phase of life. I tried to hold onto that even after the adoption, that everyone is His and that we were given Tanner to love and take care of for a time. It was harder to remember after the adoption, because it seemed a little more permanent, but, it's been brought back again with this diagnosis. We remember that Tanner is not really ours, God just gave him to us for a short time (in our eyes) to love until it's time for him to go to Jesus.

The good thing is that it helps us to appreciate and enjoy whatever we do with each other and spend more time making memories as a family. Tonight, we're going to celebrate 1 year of Tanner's adoption and on Sunday, we'll celebrate 7 years of Tanner's life! Right now, life feels good. It's not that we don't think about the leukodystrophy daily, or worry about how many adoption days and birthdays we will be able to celebrate, but, for today, for this moment, God is giving us a wonderful feeling of peace.

Thank you for your prayers. It has made a big difference in our lives. My sleep is much better, my overwhelming fears are much less significant, and we are feeling our Savior's comfort.

We appreciate continued prayers for God's peace about the situation, for Tanner to maintain his abilities (physical, behavioral and cognitive) without fast or significant regression, and for us to continue to use this situation to tell others about God's goodness.

8 comments:

Carol Lenger said...

What wonderful memories -from the day Tanner came into your home, through all the ups and downs of adjustments becoming a family, learning and teaching to sign, adoption hurdles, birthdays, and even current diagnosis! Wow, what a rich life we have been living with you through all these experiences!

HAPPY ADOPTION TANNER!

Wish we were there celebrating with you tonight like we were last year. :).
We love you sweetie!
Grandpa & Grandma Lenger

Anonymous said...

Shel -- What a wonderful year this has been, this first year of adoption. I am so thankful for how the Lord is using you in Tanner's life, and him in yours! I'm thinking of you guys today!

SeƱor David McGinness said...

Tanner,

What a great week!! I can't believe you'll be seven on Sunday!! Congratulations. Did you have fun sleeping in your new treehouse? I'm taking Lydia and Claudia camping in a few weeks. Your Dad taught me everything I know about camping--so make sure to ask him to take you as well. Take care.

Dave, Dana, Lydia, Claudia, Naomi, Judah

Sharen Leigh said...

Happy 7th Birthday, Tanner!!!!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Tanner!
Your Mom and Dad are so proud of you!

Kelly said...

Happy Birthday Tanner! We are so thankful for you and are praying for you and your sweet parents! You are loved! Love, The Sanderfords

krista said...

We really appreciate all the work you are putting into this blog. It realy helps us follow what is going on in your lives, even though we are so far away-Washington State. Tanner looks like a great kid with a great family. He is blessed to be in your home and we are praying for all of you. Life is filled with so many uncertainties. It is the ones we can anticipate that are the hardlest to deal with. Now that you know more about Tanner's future-as little as they can tell you-please depend even more on God's promises. That can be so difficult. Know that there are countless people thinking about you and asking for God's peace and love to surround you every day.

Krista & Tim Schaafsma

Anonymous said...

You have my prayers and love! I'm so glad that Tanner has such an awesome family to love him and guide him and care for him. God teaches His children so many lessons in such different ways. I am glad you belong to Him. He will be of great solice. Hugs, Lorie DeYoung (Mom's Seymour friend forever!)