1 year since we stood nervously in front of a judge and a panel of people who asked us why, since we already had 4 children, did we want to adopt two more? 1 year since we heard Olena speak to that same judge and explain that she wanted to be part of our family. 1 year since that judge said he thought that it would be in the girls best interest if they were adopted by us. 1 year ago our family was allowed to grow by 2 girls. Our two beautiful girls.
This last year has flown by. We were talking about it the other day with the whole family. Sometimes we can't believe how long it has been but mostly it feels like they have always been with us.
We still have our issues. There are lots of things that are still in transition. I am sure that it will be that way for a long time to come. But I am hopeful that even though we are still transitioning, the girls are happy to be here. I am hopeful that they have begun to think of us as THEIR Family. We obviously think of them that way, but I think it has been a lot harder for them to fall into that.
Life has changed for us all over this last year. Some things have become harder. Somethings are better. If you were to stop me and ask me how life was going, I would honestly answer, "it depends on the day!" But, I would also tell you that while things are hard sometimes, I would NOT change our decision, or the answer we gave the judge that day 1 year ago. We wanted to adopt them and have them be in our family, because we love them and KNOW they are meant to be ours. I still believe that with all my heart. That belief hasn't made the journey an easy one, but it has reminded me many, many times why I am continuing to push through it.
Today will will celebrate being a family of 8. We will look to the future and make plans and talk about the hopes and dreams for each of us for the coming year. Hopes and dreams that Olena and Nastia didn't have 1 year ago. What a blessing to know that has changed.
I am SO Grateful that we were led to them and on the life changing, person altering journey. I am still learning how to deal with things and I think so are they. But we are on this journey together and we will continue to learn together as a FAMILY of 8. Thanks for sharing in our journey this last year and a half.
HAPPY MAURIN FAMILY DAY!!
