Today, we got to spend two precious hours with Finley girl in the park. The weather was beautiful with brilliant blue skies and a cool breeze.
Finley warmed up to us even more quickly than yesterday, moving from high fives to kisses, hugs and even letting us hold her, grasping us tightly.
She giggled.
She laughed.
She covered her face in sheer joy.
And, she captured our hearts ever more.
As we played her foster parents looked on in the distance wiping tears from their eyes.
Every time Finley caught a glimpse of her Opa {foster dad}, she happily ran to his open arms for a hug. And, each time he held her tightly and then selflessly encouraged her to go with us, fighting back his tears.
Finley's foster mom wanted to make sure I knew that Finley only likes mango, is cranky when she is tired, and is very stubborn...that Finley won't cry when she gets hurt and always shushes her when she tries to sing her to sleep.
We all took too many pictures to count and walked slowly together away from the park.
Our magical time with Finley Grace was over. She hugged me tightly as I passed her back to the special woman, who has loved her as her own, since she was ten days old.
Numb, Steve and I piled into a cab with another couple, pretenting to care about the small talk that ensued.
We attended a Miso performance that was scheduled for us, each secretly hoping it would be over soon.
We managed our way on the subway back to our hotel, crashing from our emotional journey.
We slept through the dinner hour and woke up with a deep, deep sadness. My body shook with sobs as the weight of the day hit me.
Today, a great loss was experienced by all.
As we end our third day in our daughter's birth country, we pray that God may redeem all that is broken, and that our hearts may continue to experience the indescribable joy and the depth and weight of the sadness....That in the tension of the two we may find great beauty.
..............................
To Gibson and Elliott.... Here are more pictures of your little sister. She loves to run and jump and chase birds and blow dandelions. And, by look of her seeing your picture again and giving it a big 'ole kiss, we think she loves her big brothers most of all!!!
We love you to the moon and back, over the ocean, and through the clouds,
Mama and Daddy
Keep the earth below my feet
From my sweat, my blood runs weak
Let me learn from where I have been
Keep my eyes to serve, my hands to learn
Keep my eyes to serve, my hands to learn
Mumford and Sons
I cannot believe you are even able to formulate complete sentences, let alone craft such a beautiful post.
ReplyDeleteLove seeing you with her. :)
From one momma to another, my heart goes out to you (and her foster mom). So hard.
What an exquisite post, Theresa. Praying the peace of Christ over you.
ReplyDeleteMay the Lord bless and give you strength and courage through His everlasting love. His eye is on the sparrow - your Finley girl - and I know He watches you, Steve, Gibson and Elliot. Praying He will grant peace and comfort to the foster parents.
ReplyDeleteContinuing to pray for you all with much love.
love, love, love seeing her in your arms :)
ReplyDeleteShe is beautiful. She is so lucky to have so many people who love her and want the best for her.
ReplyDeleteSo, so, SO beautiful and heart-breaking at the same time. The pictures bring tears to my eyes with joy at the love precious Finley girl is surrounded with and by. Thank you for sharing so eloquently--it is truly a gift.
ReplyDeleteWe'll keep on praying for you! God will carry you through the hard times and lead you into the great times ahead.
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