A Sincere Thank You

When we decided to start the process for our second adoption, Amanda and I had intentions of reviving this blog and doing it somewhat like we did with our adoption of Anara.  It took a minute to realize that things are much different than they were 6 years ago.  First of all, four- or five-paragraph blog posts (maybe even with pictures included) have generally given way in social media to one-sentence Facebook status updates and up-to-the-minute Instagram photos.  Most people really don't take the time to read blog posts like they used to.  You get more bang for your buck by posting and making comments on Facebook than you do other mediums right now.  In another 6 years, it will probably be different.

Another thing that's different from 6 years ago is that now we have 4 kids, not just one.  So finding the time to sit down at a computer and type coherent thoughts in a blog post is WAY more difficult.  I rarely even make the time or effort to post things on Facebook.  I happen to be writing this on an evening where Amanda and the kids are not home, and I've promised to use my free time to post to the blog.

Since I have this opportunity, the first thing I want to do is to give a sincere and heartfelt thank you to those of you who have supported us so far in this adoption process.  Whether by simply taking an interest and asking us how the process is going, by praying, or by even financially contributing, we are truly humbled by your care.  I can't say it strongly enough--your support means a LOT to us.  Not everyone is supportive of our adopting a child with Down syndrome, and while we can understand where some people's concerns are coming from, we are encouraged and reassured by those of you who have so generously supported us.

The second thing I wanted to do is to link to and comment on a short video that ESPN (suprisingly?) published last fall called "Perfect."  It's the story of a man who had a daughter born with Down syndrome and how it has affected him.  I like this video for obvious reasons.  Heath White is a runner and perfectionist.  I fancy myself a runner and I've had bouts of perfectionism, and although my actual accomplishments don't match his (except I married a hotter woman), I can still relate to him a bit.  In a subtle way, it also clearly provides support toward embracing and not simply marginalizing or discarding those born with Down syndrome, a group of human beings that today is aborted before birth at a rate of about 90-95%.  It puts a personal, human face on a situation that many people have found themselves in, but may not have dealt with in the same positive way.

I can also relate to the story for a couple other reasons.  When Heath found out his wife Jennifer was pregnant with a child with Down syndrome, he struggled with fear and selfishness.  When Amanda first suggested that we pursue the adoption of a child with Down syndrome, I struggled with doubt and a need to protect some sort of peace or status quo in my household.  "Things are already chaotic enough," I said.  Heath's wife Jennifer was strong through her husband's fear and refused to abort her child she knew had a right to live.  My wife is also strong, and was able to convince me that we are able to do this, and that this boy, Baby Z, needs and deserves the love of a family and the home that we can provide him.

If you haven't seen this video and have 14 minutes (!), please humor me and watch it.  It's a good story and touches on at least one reason why I am excited about adopting Z.  Heath White discovered how having a child with Down syndrome changed him.  Being married to Amanda and having our 4 kids has already changed me, but I openly accept the challenge that this next adoption will entail, and I am praying to be changed and blessed in the same way Heath has been.  Thank you, again, for your support.