Today Ryan is 13 years old.
My heart feels so full
today.
I am so grateful to Ryan’s birthmother for choosing life and
for choosing us to be his parents. I won’t
go into details about Ryan’s adoption story because that is his story to tell
when he is older. He has heard his story
enough to know he is special and was chosen to be in this family. He doesn’t view his birthmother as someone
who “gave him up”, but rather someone who made a very unselfish plan for his
life. Her courage and strength is
something I admire about her and I see those traits in Ryan.
I will never forget the day we met Ryan’s birthmother. She showed me his ultrasound picture and my
heart literally skipped a beat. I looked
at the picture and felt an immediate connection. There was no doubt in my mind that he was my
son. We were blessed to be able to hold
Ryan 15 minutes after he was born. His
eyes were open and he looked at us with this knowing expression in his
eyes. I will always cherish the memories
of the time in the hospital we had with Ryan’s birthmother, celebrating and
just being in awe at this beautiful new life.
Fast forward 13 years.
It really was fast. Now Ryan is a
teenager and it fills me with dread, nerves, and excitement. I dread the mood swings and the push against
authority that comes with the teen years. In my Child Development classes I
learned that 3 year olds and 13 year olds go through similar stages
psychologically. I remember how
obstinate Ryan would get when he was 3 years old. He wanted to do something independently and
wanted my help at the same time. I see
that happening now, but at 13 he is too big to pick up and carry him to where I
feel he needs to go. I can’t sit him in
my lap and rock away his frustrations anymore.
Hopefully though Ryan remembers he can always count on me to be there. I hope he continues to wake up every morning
seeking to give me a good morning hug.
Ryan is a good kid. He is a very good kid. He’s a wonderful big brother. He will tease the snot out of his little
brother and sister sometimes, but heaven help the person who tries to hurt
William or Kayla. Ryan is kind,
generous, and funny. I just have to
remind myself during the difficult moments that he is a teenager and not an
alien. Being a teenager may explain his
moments of aloofness or rebellion but it won’t be excused. I will still hold him to a high standard of
living out the virtues he has been taught. I am
looking forward to watching him grow in virtue and wisdom. I am
still in awe at this beautiful life God has entrusted to me and my
husband.
Awwww...very sweet & touching story of and for Ryan. May God continue to help you raise him into manhood. Cherish every moment (especially now that he's a teenager and gaining independence) because they grow up too fast.
ReplyDeleteCongrats Missy!! teen kids teach us so much....Thanking the Lord for the gift of Ryan and his birth family!
ReplyDeleteI know I didn't see this very promptly, but what beautiful thoughts and a celebration of the first 13 wonderful years with your oldest son!! :)
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