At the age of 10 I was diagnosed as a type 1 diabetic. At age 16 I was told the chances of ever having children was very slim to none. I have always loved being around kids and working with them. Growing up in the unknowns of motherhood was hard. At the age of 23 after marriage, we took the risk of pregnancy and thirteen years ago today, I was blessed with a beautiful 9lb 10oz baby girl. The doctors labeled my pregnancy and birth as "unsuccessful". It was hard to hear those words spoken so clearly in my ear, but God had better plans. In thirteen years my daughter Julia has blessed my life in more ways then words can be spoken. She is my "biological" daughter who has since the age of two-and-a -half, learned to love and receive six other adopted siblings into our home. We our a team. We love all our children.
Dear Julia,
Today you turn thirteen and I can't believe how fast you are growing up into a beautiful woman! The teenage years are looking right at us. I know it isn't always easy being part of a big adoptive family. People ask crazy questions. More times then not, we are out of our comfort zone in this crazy world. As an adult I have struggled to find security in how God has built our family, and now as I am raising teenagers it is even harder. I want us to grow and thrive through our security in Jesus Christ. I don't want this world to suck away our joy as a family.
Everything is shared at times and our time together can be less then what I desire. I know you are learning about this world and how cruel it can be. I also know you show me daily your love for the Lord and you are not afraid to stand up for what is right. Your desire to love on the fatherless shines through and I am confident that someday I will be on a plane with you, helping you complete your adoption journey in another country.
Being the "biological daughter" is not easy. At times people are very insensitive and ignorant in what they say. At times you get singled at as being "more loved" because you are my biological daughter. And at times people look past you and want to show compassion to your adopted siblings instead, because of story or situation. I have held your hand when you cry in confusion over our blended family and I also have celebrated in the times when you were not afraid to speak out and share your thoughts at your wise age of soon-to-be thirteen. Your heart is big and I know God gave you to me for this life and journey we are on. I know you feel equality within the walls of our home. Your siblings love you genuinely. You show them love genuinely.
Countless times we have been asked in public situations"So which ones are BIOLOGICAL?" and I am proud to hear my "biological" daughter say :
"It doesn't matter which one of us is "BIOLOGICAL" we are a family and that is what counts!"
Happy 13th Birthday Julia!
Love,
MOM
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