For the last year and a half I had pictured it over and over in my mind. What would it be like to finally meet you, Jayden? To hold you for the first time? To actually be the recipient of one of your huge grins instead of looking at pictures where you smiled for someone else.
I knew I would be thrilled to meet you, Jayden, but I didn’t expect to feel shy. We walked into the hotel lobby and there you were – playing with your foster brother and totally unaware that your life was about to change forever. Here you were, this little boy with a fully formed personality and 14 months full of experiences without me. I was your Mama, but you didn’t even know that I existed until that moment. I wanted to pick you up, but I didn’t want to frighten you so I held back. You soon broke the ice when you reached out with both arms for me to hold you. Do you know, Jayden, that you completely stole my heart in that moment? There is no way to describe the rush of emotions I felt. Nothing can prepare you for the awe of that moment when all your dreams come true.
All I wanted to do was look at you – to memorize every part of you. Your sweet smile, your contagious laugh, your inquisitive nature. You sat on the bed in the hotel and carefully watched as the grownups in the room unequivocally changed your life. It was all over so quickly. In a matter of about 20 minutes your foster family was saying their goodbyes. Your foster mother acted so brave about the whole thing, but the translator told me that she had been crying before we arrived. I am sure that she cried afterwards too. You impacted her life and I know she will never forget you.
Finally we were alone and all your dad and I could do is stare at you and try to memorize every feature. Our son. Our dream come true. We were in awe and our hearts were overflowing with joy and gratitude that this day had finally come. Your name, Jayden Samuel, means “God hears and God answers” and no name could be more fitting. Jayden, you will forever be a testimony of the fact that God does hear the prayers of His people. He will give you the desires of your heart if you wait and put your trust in Him.