Simply put, the story of Adem and Sue inspires me.
We all internalize the song as children. The one that goes, “First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes so-and-so with the baby carriage.” First we use the lyrics to taunt and embarrass our friends. Then we grow up and realize that the great enterprise of life doesn’t always process our requests in a timely fashion or in the order they were received. Its a song that knows how to sting when it wants to.
Sue knew she wanted to be a mom but the road twisted and turned. It took years of crushing disappointment and heartbreaking decisions before it wound its way to Utah, where this beautiful baby boy was born.
She was chosen by Adem’s birth mother and she was there the day he was born. When Sue walked into the hospital room five months ago, Adem’s birth mother handed him to her to hold. Sue sends her updates from time to time, they still stay in touch.
There is no greater gift than Adem is to Sue and Sue is to Adem. I think you can see that in these photos.
Sue’s pups have taken Adem right into the pack, I loved watching them dutifully follow Sue as she carried Adem around the house. Wherever she sat, they sat. Even Scout, the oldest of the pack, has a crush on Adem.
One word describes Adem: dreamboat. Or is that two words? Dream boat?
If only I could buy mascara in the color Adem:
I’ve heard of bedroom eyes but this kid has bathtub eyes…
Sue gave me a list of songs to choose from for her slideshow and I went with “These Roads Don’t Move” by Jay Farrar & Benjamin Gibbard. The chorus is, “These roads don’t move. You’re the one that moves.” Could the answer to questions so close to my own heart be just that simple? Perhaps destiny isn’t about blessings or curses, lucky or unlucky. Perhaps destiny isn’t dished out. Perhaps its something we travel towards, stumbling awkward as a drunk on a Saturday night. Perhaps its something we earn somehow.
A big, huge, congratulations to Sue and Adem both! Adem’s adoption becomes final in just a few short weeks.
And if you are considering adoption for your family, Sue is happy to share her experience (holler at me and I’ll get you in touch) and wanted to share the following resources:
http://www.adoptionadviceandguidance.com/index.html
Our Chosen Child, LLC (a service for preparing adoption profiles)
And here’s a link I wish to share as well, written by a friend about 5 things you can do when doors are closing. (P, I have read this more times than I can count. Thank you.) May you find your open window. Even if you don’t think you can squeeze your rear end through it, I’ll bet you can. I’m rooting for you.
