Adopted

"Are they adopted?"

Tom and I get this question sometimes. Much more when all of us are out together. I think in diversified Southern California when I am out and about just me and the boys, most people assume that I've remarried an Asian man, or some such configuration. Adoption isn't always the first assumption. Or perhaps people just consider it rude to ask? But we do get this question occasionally. And really... it is kind of awkward.

I say awkward because I consider all three boys of my boys to be adopted!

Sound odd? I don't think it is. With none of our children did we play any significant role in the miracle that is their existence. We accepted the responsibility to care for them, love them, teach them, and raise them. But we did not create them. With Joshua we accepted a 2-week-old embryo, a gift from God conceived by a miracle in my body. With Jonah and Noah we just accepted children a little further along on their life's journey. But none of our children "belong" to us. They are not "ours". They are God's Children, entrusted to us temporarily. And we are incredibly honored to be able to be their Earthly adoptive parents.

So on this Mother's Day, I enjoy the flowers and the cards. It's nice to be treated and have a day to be "honored". But most importantly, I praise Him who has allowed me the treasured job of raising these three beautiful souls of His. Only by God's Grace do I get to be a Mother... and to thank him with all my heart this day and always.