I really didn’t think I’d do it, but the moment got the best of me as I snapped the last photo of my son as he was boarding the bus. I choked up. It wasn’t because he was growing up so fast or because I’d miss him while he was away; it was because I got to take part in another milestone in his life.
Perhaps I shouldn’t be too over dramatic about this. I did get to see his first steps one week after he was placed with us. Maybe I shouldn’t weigh in so much on what I lost of his past. Yes, I never saw his first smile, the first time he rolled over or crawled. I didn’t know him before his teeth came in. I missed getting to feed him with a bottle. But, the thing that I got to find great joy in today was my son feeling safe enough to leave my side and board a bus full of big kids trusting that I was going to be there for him when he returned. This is priceless.
For anyone who’s adopted children with special issues, you probably know what I mean when I say you learn to appreciate the little things. You appreciate the days when your child has normal tantrums, or complies with a request. You appreciate when a parent sees you struggling with an out of control child and gives you a sincere smile instead of a dirty look.
Today I got to be a part of something normal. My son boarded that bus like all the rest of the children, with anticipation and pride. When the bus brought him home, I was greeted with a huge smile. My son knows I love him. He trusts me. My big boy kindergartener had a great day today and I am so proud that I got to share in his joy.
Melissa is a Families.com Christian Blogger. Read her blogs at: http://members.families.com/mj7/blog