I held my sweet little daughter for the first time when she was only 12 hours old, though I did not get to enjoy the title of being her mommy until 16 months later.
Leeann’s birth mom, Kyndall was barely 15 years old that day we stopped by to visit her and her brand new baby in the hospital. She’d been one of our youth group girls for the previous several months and we’d been praying diligently for her and her baby. I was so excited when we got the call that Leeann had been born and that mom and baby were both healthy.
Ready or not, Kyndall began the journey of teenage single parenthood the day Leeann came into the world!
Over the year and a half to come Leeann and Kyndall would spend a great deal of time with Rob and I. We fell in love with both of these girls, and knew from the beginning that they would both have a special place in our lives and in our hearts. We had no idea just how involved in our lives they would be at the time. But, God did!
On November 21st, 2004, at our church’s annual Thanksgiving Service, we announced to the congregation that we would be adopting Leeann. We took her home with us from church that day, and we’ve been a family ever since.
On this very day, six years ago, Kyndall shared with me the most wonderful gift any human has ever given with me. She trusted me with her precious daughter. She let me become Leeann’s mommy! Is there a greater gift to be given?
This morning, as I was already a little overwhelmed with emotion just thinking about the significance of this day being on a Sunday, the day of our Thanksgiving Service again, I was already on the verge of tears of thanksgiving from the time my feet hit the floor this morning.
Just a few minutes before we had to leave for church I got a call from Kyndall. She was giving us one last phone call (though we snuck another one in this afternoon!) before she boarded her flight to serve overseas with her United States Air Force unit for the next 6 months.
Man, I’m going to miss her! I love this woman. I love that chose life. I love that she chose to care for her daughter for 16 months at such a young age. I love that she made a difficult decision to release Leeann for adoption when she realized that it would be best for Leeann. I love that she chose us. I love that she trusts us. I love that her love for Leeann hasn’t changed, even though she’s no longer her primary care-giver. I love that she stays involved in her life.
Leeann is so blessed to have such a large family that loves her to pieces. I am so blessed to be the recipient of the greatest gift a birth mom can share!
And, at this very moment, Kyndall is proudly wearing her military uniform. She is on a flight to the other side of the world. She is serving and protecting our country. She is probably scared, nervous, and excited all at once. She is loved. She is already missed.
Yes, I feel blessed beyond measure today. Being a mom is the coolest job in the world! It’s hard to believe that 6 years have come and gone so quickly. I have treasured every moment, every kiss, every hug, and every “I love you.” I am blessed.
Our "see you later" dinner!
Our family went out to dinner at Red Robin the other night to see Kyndall off. Her dad, Grampy and her boyfriend, Andre joined us.
Leeann gave Kyndall a necklace for Christmas. It took her several minutes to get it on her.
It was a wonderful evening at Leeann's favorite restaurant, eating her favorite foods, surrounded by her favorite people. I love that she has so many people that love her so much.
