Happy 3rd Birthday Elijah!!!

Today, September 17th, is Elijah's 3rd birthday! A bittersweet day indeed. Exactly one year from now is the day he would have been transferred to "facility" (mental institution/home for the invalids - whatever you want to call it, the result is the same.) If he wasn't walking on his own yet, chances are he would have spent the rest of his days in a crib. BUT, enter God! God was able to push through all of my fears and doubts and busyness to call us to adopt Elijah now so he doesn't have to face a life in an institution. He will know the love of two very caring parents that will love him unconditionally. He will know the love of at least 5 siblings who already adore him very much. And most importantly, he will learn to know the infinite and boundless love of Jesus!  Happy Birthday my precious son!

I have so many things I want to say, but not sure how to say them all. I'm not very good at expressing all my feelings. So I will "plagiarize" a very, very sweet letter that was sent to Elijah in a birthday card today. You know who you are. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for remembering him and praying for him and us. (Just as a warning, Sarah said to me after I read this something to the effect of "I wonder if you should count the number of tears you've shed during this adoption process. One million-one, one million-two...". Ha ha, very funny, my dear. :-)  Here's the letter:

Dear Sweet Elijah,

Today is your 3rd birthday. You have NO idea of how many people are praying for you or that your life is about to be changed! Your life has already touched SO many, including ours! This will be your last birthday apart from your forever family. Stay strong, Little Man. Listen to the heartbeat of God - as he enfolds you against his chest. You are deeply loved by so many!

See you soon! We love you!

One million - twenty, one million - twenty-one...where's that new box of Kleenex?!? :-)

Photos of our birthday party in honor of Elijah last weekend coming soon!