Thanksgiving's Past

In 2006, we had just moved into our current home and we were still in disbelief and amazement that God had helped us in finding an affordable house that was perfect for our needs...BUT we also wondered what God had in store for us next because obviously this house was too big for our family in 2006!  We had applied to adopt David and Vanessa and we were waiting for the paperwork to be complete, but we knew even they wouldn't fill this house.

In 2007, we celebrated our first Thanksgiving without my brother Daniel.  He had passed away in May of 2007, only days after being taken to the ER and a colloid cyst discovered on his brain.  We were all still adjusting to the changes and absence that this had brought to our lives.  Plus we were watching David and Vanessa continue to grow up in photos while we continued to wait for their adoptions to be complete.
 
In 2008, David and Vanessa celebrated their first Thanksgiving in our home.  Both had been here long enough for their English skills to be fairly good, and they understood when we went around the table and took turns listing something for which we are thankful.  Vanessa said "mom" and pointed to me as my heart melted.  David answered quickly and confidently, "refrig-errr'-lators" and went on to explain that you put food in them and it waits for you there....so there is always food.  From a child who had known so much physical hunger, that statement of thanksgiving was profoundly insightful!  A few weeks after Thanksgiving, Mr. Workman and I would make the prayerfully-considered decision to apply to adopt Jon whom we had met while in Haiti.

Then last year's Thanksgiving was over shadowed by the unknown.  Baby Nate and Vanessa were both having surgery in December and Nate was so sick and I was so exhausted by his round the clock feeding schedule...it really didn't fully seem like Thanksgiving.  We had a big meal and family came, but I fell asleep when I stretched out on the bed for a minute.  Ultimately I missed most of that afternoon.  Jon's adoption process was on hold due to issues in Haiti and we were doubting when and if he could join our family.



Mark (left) and Luke (right) at my mom's house tonight
just after their huge meal.



This year Jon is home.  PLUS Mark, Luke and Matt joined our family with him and they are all experiencing their first Thanksgiving with us.  None of them understand that they now have a FOREVER family and forever a place to gather with people who love them every Thanksgiving, but I understand and am so blessed!  They all  loved the busy crowded atmosphere at my mom's tonight with lots of family and friends ready to give them lots of attention and food!  I am constantly amazed at God's goodness to our family. 

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.--Psalms 136:1