"...when dreams come true, there is life and joy."

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when dreams come true, there is life and joy.” – Proverbs 13: 12

I really have counted this as a blessing to be able to watch a momma fall in love with her baby.  New life is always special but when adoption is at the heart of a life changing experience, there is just something extraordinary about it.  Now, you may be thinking how easy it is to fall in love with a baby.  Squishy. Cute. Chubby cheeks. Yes, true.  But what about when that new baby is 5, 8, or 14?

My sweet friend was able to pick up her new son for another overnight visit and they chose to stay with me.  I watched a momma change diapers, help with muscle stretches, and dress her new boy.  Her sweet, adorable, happy, 8-year-old boy.  I watched this precious boy, who supposedly has major trauma and anxiety over going to respite just fall into love with his momma's tickles, hugs, kisses, and playful engagement.  You see, I believe a child knows when they are loved and wanted.  

Foster care is hard.  It is needed. Desperately.  When a family decides to foster a child or children, there is some amount of distance.  Even when they try their best to love on a child...there just is.  I am not sure if this is because no matter what you do, you know they are "not yours"....or if it just the self-protection that comes with the territory no matter how hard you try to go "all-in".  In turn, I believe the child knows and feels they are different.  Not wanted. Unloveable.  Therefore, their hope is deferred.  Hope for a forever family put on hold.  Hope for what was or should have been can diminish and fade.

So when that moment happens when a child is scooped up and made part of the family.  When he is grafted into the tree with tender love and care, he knows. He knows he is lovable.  She knows that she is special and wanted.  He knows you will care for me even in the poops of life.

So tonight, first hand, I was able to see  a glimpse of Proverbs 13:12 transform a special boy.  This sweet young man melted into his momma's arms as she rocked, tickled, and played. Connecting and lovingly looking into his eyes and heart. In return, he giggled, laughed, and even teased in return.  I believe, his dreams are coming true because there is pure joy in his sweet life.  Thanks God.