We're done. It's over. He's officially ours. Mason's adoption was finalized in court today. Many of you remember that this part didn't go so well for us last time around. I've been dreading this ever since we started the process with Mason. One of the reasons we started the process with a different agency this time, was to avoid this judge, but God stepped in and brought us back to Dillon, and to our amazing little guy.
Leave it to God to also place someone at court to day to give me some perspective on our situation. I was a wreck going into court, until I saw an old friend who was in a much more unsure, contested, HARD situation. Immediately all of my anxiety went away and my thoughts were with her, praying the judge would see the situation clearly and do what was best for the children she cares for. I'm happy to say that the day went well for both of us.
Our county is the only county in our state that requires two different hearings to finalize an adoption. Both times we've been able to wave the second hearing (although I'm pretty sure the judge wasn't thrilled to do it either time). The second hearing is supposed to be "festive" according to the judge, but we don't care to be festive in that venue, with him.
We were plenty festive last night. I was completely overwhelmed at the number of people that showed up to help us celebrate. If I have an accurate count, there were 38 people at the Chuck Wagon. God bless our waitress, who was prepared for 20-25!
When we started this journey I know there were lots of folks that questioned what we were doing; that were unsure what a child with special needs would do to our family, our other kids. I'm pretty sure that no one in that room last night can imagine our family without this special little boy. What he's done FOR our family has been amazing. I'm so thankful for everything we have been given, so thankful that somehow, over thousands and thousands of miles, we were connected with two little boys that fit perfectly into our family, and completed us.
"You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them." -Desmond Tutu
