Let’s talk about love. Love that is unselfish. Love that grabs a tiny portion of your heart and slowly grows and grows until it is simply impossible to deny. A love that prods you to take a risk though that risk seems great. And scary. A love that takes over and says do something, make a difference…act.
Two days ago, I sent you over to my sister’s post to share in her news. It has always been her story to tell and I wasn’t going to say one word on this blog until she felt the time was right to post about it. When she did, the words poured from the center of her being, from a heart that is full to the brim with love. From a heart that knows, absolutely, that the right decision was made.
I’m so proud of her. The decision to adopt Little Z was not an easy one. It took time. With every life decision, questions are raised, ‘what ifs’ abound, emotions run high, fear lies in wait. But in the end, when that blessed sense of clarity arrives on the doorstep to your heart and mind, all wrestling stops. Peace arrives.
This little boy who almost didn’t make it, who has fought every step of the way, who is filled with love and humor and gutsiness, this little boy stole the hearts of everyone who came into his life. He is an angel. But he needed a chance to be loved and nurtured by a forever family, a family that understood his special needs and was willing to help him be all that he could and should be. And all along, Meredith has only wanted what is best for him. If that meant it was better for another family to adopt him, she would have accepted that. But it became clear that the family for Little Z was her family.
My nephews, one in high school, the other in college, have embraced him. My brother-in-law, just two years younger than me, has opened his heart. In the middle of all the worries about time, commitment, age and major life changes, he said these words: Don’t we have enough love in our hearts to love another little boy?
Talk about clarity.
This family, my family, rocks me to the core and fills me with joy. And ever since we knew there was even the tiniest idea, the smallest seed of a thought that adopting might be an option, Don and I have been cheering them on.
Easy for me to say, of course, but I knew. I knew this boy was meant to be with them. I had only to listen to Meredith’s words, her voice, as she spoke of him. At first, he was a patient, a child that needed Meredith’s loving therapy. But soon, Little Z came up in many a phone conversation. He stayed with her family when his foster parents went on vacation. He became more and more a part of her life and the life of her husband and sons. They fell in love.
Falling in love isn’t just a romantic thing. Falling in love happens when you open your heart. When you let go of your walls of defense and say yes. When you realize that love is not finite, but infinite in its capacity. When you realize that, in the end, love is all. Love is truth. Nothing else is real.
It’s a funny thing. When I look at photos of Little Z, my arms ache to hold him. It’s always been that way, since the first time Meredith sent me a photo from her phone. I can almost smell him. Somehow, the DNA that Meredith and I share is so strong that my response to Little Z has always been visceral, that of a family member, an aunt – long before this decision was made.
I remember one of my nephews, long ago, hugging me when I was taking care of him while his parents were away and saying, “You feel like my mommy.” It comforted him. DNA, touch, scent, bone structure, or a sense of belonging…who knows? But he knew. Just as I know that Little Z is my nephew. There’s no denying it.
I hear his sweet voice on the phone, calling me Aunt Claudie. He sings to me. I cannot wait to meet him in person and hold him in my arms.
With all the negative news we hear, all the self-serving and selfish actions that seem to permeate our society, it’s important to remember all the good that is out there.
I have only to look at my sister and her family.
Meredith has asked me to thank all of you for your wonderful comments on her post. She responded to the ones with an email address attached to the comment, but not all of them had one. So thank you from Meredith.
Happy Tuesday.
Your family’s joy is heartwarming.
Thank you, Carolyn.
Thank you, now I am the one crying.
Mere
We’re all crying, dear sister.
Blessings to you, Meredith and all of your family! Reading about your new nephew reminds me of when my brother & his wife adopted my niece from an orphanage in Paraguay. She was approximately 2 years old and had suffered severe malnutrition and had some developmental disabilities. We all fell in love with her and now she is a lovely 27 year old woman, she will always need some support in managing certain aspects of life, but she has a job that she enjoys, has some good friends , and she is happy! I can’t imagine not having her in our family. I know that your nephew will grow and experience happiness surrounded by his loving family!
Yes he will – and he will thrive!
“Falling in love isn’t just a romantic thing. Falling in love happens when you open your heart. When you let go of your walls of defense and say yes. When you realize that love is not finite, but infinite in its capacity. When you realize that, in the end, love is all. Love is truth. Nothing else is real.”
This perhaps is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever written. God Bless your sister, Little Z and his new family.
You made my heart glad this morning. Thank you for sharing this.
~ Cassandra <3
Oh thank you so much, Cassandra.
Claudia, I loved this post. I send blessings to all of you,xoxox,Susie
Thank you, Susie.
I read Meredith’s beautiful story about her youngest son and was touched by it. For you, one more nephew to love, Claudia.
Karen
Lucky me!
Hi Claudia. I read your sister’s post the other day but couldn’t comment at the time.
This kind of adoption is a bit different. They are adopting Little Z because he needs them not because they need him. It is different, I know, I did the very same thing. We adopted a foster child that came to the pre-school that I taught at. He had been from one foster home to another. HIs current foster home said he had to go. They called me and asked if we would consider becoming his foster parents. The rest is history. He was an adorable little four year old and quite the wild child. There have been many bumps in the road for sure but we are still so glad that we did this for him. I’m sure your sister will have support as the challenges occur. I remember you saying that they did respite for him. So nice that they already had a bond.
My son has special needs as well…..he’s 26 now. He has lots of ups and downs but is living in his own apartment and doing well.
Congratulations to the whole family. My own extended family was not supportive of our adopting. It really does help to have supportive people to love these special little beings.
xo
Good for you, Debby. And bless you and your family.
I’m willing to be that Meredith and her family need Little Z, too. It was just less obvious than Z’s need for them.
Meredith is an Occupational Therapist specializing in very young children and she has been Little Z’s therapist since he was very, very young
Claudia, what a beautiful post. My heart is overflowing with joy for your family and your brave and beautiful sister and brother-in-law. This topic is close to my heart–my father adopted me when he married my mother (I was 4), my youngest brother is adopted, and my other brother adopted his little girl from Guatemala. I am so happy for all of you, and most of all for little Z, who has found his forever family. xxoo, Martha
I also have so many dear friends who were adopted – all of whom are extremely grateful for their adopted families.
hello Claudia,
I feel blessed to call Meredith my friend & thrilled beyond words that she has a new addition to her beautiful family!
love the photos of precious baby Z & sweet Max (who I told Meredith is no longer the baby of the family) :-D
such a lovely post & wonderful family baby Z now calls his own xo
My little Max is the perfect doggie for LIttle Z.
This post fills my heart with joy. I am so happy for not only your sister and brother-in-law, but for you and Don, too. Congratulations to you all! What can be more wonderful than another child to love?
Nothing!
You do have a very special sister!!
:-}}}
I sure do!
Truer words about love and it’s ability to change hearts and lives have never been spoken.
Thank you, Janie!
Dear Claudia, Your post is indeed Heartwarming.What a charming, adorable little boy!
Yours is a Royal Heritage. -Judy A-
Ah, thank you, Judy!
Congratulations to you and your family, Claudia!! What a wonderful addition to the family. Your sister and her family are very special for opening their hearts to this little guy and giving him a good life and I am so excited for all of you!! I read your sister’s post on Little Z and was really touched by it.. This is heartwarming!! Francine
They are a very special family, Francine!
This is beautiful on so many levels. Your post has filled my heart with…happiness/hope/and love for the possibilities. Thank you.
You are most welcome, Teresa.
With a mom and dad who are crazy about him, two big brothers to show him the ropes, and a Golden Retriever as best buddy, I know Little Z is going to be Just Fine. Please let us know how things are going from time to time. PS – hope he gets to meet his cousin Scout soon too!
I will, Janet.
Very, very nicely written! Little Z is so lucky to have Meradtith and her family to love him. Match made in Heaven! I am sure that when you get to hold him he will think you feel familiar also. Will you get to see him soon? What a wonderful story of love. I follow Meradith’s blog and feel like I know this little boy already. From post #1 about him you could feel the love.
I don’t know when I’ll get to see him, Teresa. Depends on Scout and Don being away from home, etc.
This is such a heartwarming story. I am sure their lives will be totally enriched. I have always felt that the space inside of our hearts is actually as big as the universe. Congratulations to Meredith and her family and may the blessing fall straight from heaven on them all.
I love that. It IS as big as the universe.
Meredith, her family, Little Z…a beautiful story! One to be treasured! It is such a hopeful story…love it! ;)
Me too, Donna!
i absolutely adore Meredith and her heart. It’s easy to tell from this post that it runs in the family! Little Z is a very blessed boy to have found his way into this family, but I’m willing to bet that the blessings will go both ways. I’m looking forward to watching him grow on Mere’s blog. And watching that familial love grow too.
blessings,
betsy
Thank you, Betsy!
You know, for the past couple of months it seemed like Meredith had something hanging on her mind. But every time Little Z came for a visit, her words seemed much more like her previous posts. What an amazing story. I bet you just cannot wait to meet him. There truly are stories that have happy endings (or, rather beginnings)!!
I definitely can’t wait to meet him.
Your story has touched me. Much love and best wishes to Meredith and her family, your family.
Thank you, Deb!
Loved hearing about this heartwarming story! As a social worker working with foster children, I know there is a great need for qualified foster families. I hope this will inspire others to look into the possibilities locally.
Wouldn’t that be wonderful, Dawn?
A very lucky little boy who has been blessed into a family of love!
And we have been blessed by him!
What an awesome story – and an awesome family. May God richly bless your family through this ultimate story of love!
Thank you, Deb!
This is just the best story and fills my heart with Joy! I love the words you have shared and the overwhelming love and respect you have for your sister, her family and Little Z. I do believe in that DNA thing…Tiger has always felt a comfort with me and i believe it’s because his Mama is my baby! Of course love knows no bounds and is amazing in it’s strength and ability to touch so many! I know that this is bringing blessings to so many!!
hugs, Linda
Thank you so much, Linda!
OH this is life-affirming and lovely…thank you for sharing, Claudia…all of your lives will be blessed!
Yes, they will, Linda!
Meredeth’s post made me cry for joy and laugh for happy. I was reading “20 North Ora” earlier and Judy posed her dog with a cushion with the motto “Who saved who?” I think this is also appropriate for your family. This child did not just come because he needed them, they needed him. Just when we think we have it all figured out !! I am adding Meredith and all your family to my daily prayer list. May the Good Lord bless you all. Much love.
I’ve always loved “Who Saved Who?” since the first time I saw it on a bumper sticker. I think you’re absolutely right, Regena.
Claudia..your words today are both touching and beautiful..that precious little face and those big brown eyes make me want to pick him up and cuddle him too..before I became disabled..I worked for the state of Pennsylvania with special needs people..I also worked in special needs at other jobs for many years..I worked with young adults/adults and I can tell you this..you can tell the ones that had love and attention when they were little..This sweet little guy is so blessed that he will be helped to reach his full potential in life..a chance that many children..special needs or not..will never have..That means a lot to someone like me who has seen too much of the bad side..Hugs to all of you!
One more thing..why do little ones look so darn cute in glasses? lol
You know, better than most, how much these children need to be loved and nurtured, Nancy. Thank you for your kind words.
I immediately went over and read your sister’s story. How heartwarming and giving of this family! But, I shouldn’t be surprised – after all, she is your sister.
Judy
She is very special, Judy.
I follow Meredith’s blog and even in the short time I’ve ‘known’ her I can imagine how perfect she and her close and extended family are for that little one. Love, fun, silliness and support they simply cannot be beaten as the ingredients of a wonderful forever family for a little boy who has needs but brings his own gifts.
Yes, indeed, and he has many gifts!
Claudia, I read this and raced over to congratulate Meredith! I am so excited for her and for you, too! I have been traveling and just happened to pop in and read this, and It made my day! What a love story! Thank you both for sharing it with us.
xoxox
Sheila
You are very welcome, my friend.
What a special blessing Little Z will be to your entire family as you all are for him! Plus, he is as cute as a bug’s ear, as my grandmother would say. Am I the only one who thinks he looks like you?? We will look forward to hearing more about this Sweet One, as he ventures though life, no doubt with his dog by his side.
You may be the only one who thinks he looks like me, Dottie! But I’m flattered. Thank you!
I loved Meredith’s story of letting us know about Little Z. I’ve always thought he is such a cute little guy. I am so happy for them that everything just fell into place and he has joined their family. Can’t wait to see how he blossoms.
Oh me too, Annette. He’s already come so far!
Es una maravillosa noticia para su familia , estas cosas hacen tanto bien a las personas que no hay palabras para definirlo . Su hermana es una bendición del cielo y los que la rodean también . Le deseo mucha felicidad !
Besos.
Adelina
Grazie, Adelina.
Oh my! I read your sister’s story, and now yours, through tears. What a beautiful child, beautiful family, and beautiful story. A true blessing!
Thank you, Melanie.
Hi Claudia, I work as a para-educator to special needs children at an elementary school. It is a job I enjoy and I always respect the families who work so hard with their children. What a wonderful family little Z has joined! Doris
I deeply admire those families, Doris.
Sniff! God bless Meredith and little Z. xoxo
Amen!
Look outside your window, Claudia. I think you just melted all the snow. Grand, wonderful, magical wishes to your family.
Thank you, Nancy!
I missed seeing your link before – so I went right over to read it now. Both posts are so beautiful and heartwarming. There are so many wonderful people in our world, and we don’t hear nearly enough of stories like this. Little Z is adorable Aunt Claudie! :)
You’re absolutely right – these are the stories that need to be told, Debbie!
There is nothing sweeter that the love of a child, no matter how they enter our lives. He is so adorable. xo Laura
He melts my heart, Laura.
I confess to being on the run yesterday and I couldn’t read everything here or go over to the other site…so I don’t know the whole story yet…but what you’ve written made me cry. It’s a beautifully-written post; beautiful. I’m pretty speechless. And I sure am glad I found this blog.
Thank you, Vicki. Hope you can go read Meredith’s post. It’s pretty amazing.
I don’t know what to say in addition to what has already been expressed so eloquently by Meredith, Claudia and all of you who responded. Words fail me. So touched. Tina
We need a miracle or two and this certainly qualifies, Tina.
I have no words to express my joy after reading this post. II hope to hear more about Little Z. I adore the photo of him and his dog looking out of the doorwalll with those cute little pj’s. He is darling. He will thrive with all the love around him. Congrats to your whole family on giving him a forever home.
We are so blessed to have him in our family, Sandy.
Dear Claudia,
What a wonderful love filled post. Thank you for sharing it with us and congratulations on being an auntie again. It’s one of the best things to be!
Clara
I’m an auntie to 11 and a great-aunt to 8!
Beautiful, beautiful post.
Thank you, Ruta.
It’s a wonderful story that is very dear to my heart, with four adopted grands of my own!
How wonderful, Maureen. Two of my dearest friends are adopted. And now my little Z has joined us!
How could anyone resist those big brown eyes?? I wish them a lifetime of happiness..
I know! Those eyes are incredible!
Little Z, he is handsome and I have to say it….very very cute! you are going to spoil him I know. Hugs Rita
I consider it my duty as an Aunt, Rita!
Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Donna!
Hello Claudia, I have been a very happy follower of your beautiful sister Meredith for quite some time now and have come to look on her as a very special person and blogger friend! Now the turn of events re this darling little boy has made me realise just how special she really is, she and all her, and your, family! I believe that this has been a plan made in the heavens – running its course as it had to do, with this wonderful result that just had to come about. Blessings on all of you, and many thanks for this heartwarming (and tear jerking) post. Joy x
I also believe this was meant to be, Joy.
Children are always a blessing and this sweet little one will fill the hearts of all who know him with love and joy…Meredith and her family are so loving and I know Little Z will flourish and his future is limitless because he is surrounded by love!
I spoke to him on the phone today. Oh, he makes my heart melt!
I absolutely adore Meredith! And I am so over the moon for them! A match made in heaven for sure!!!
xo Kris
Yes indeed. She is very happy, Kris.
What a wonderful family you and Meredith have … it is a privilege to peek through the windows of your world and cheer you all on.
Thank you, Annie!
Hi Claudia, Lovely post for Meredtith, Little Z, love, trust and family. I love the way both you and Meredith’s words flow, it’s just beautiful. The whole story, journey and future are amazing and will be magical.
Can’t wait to follow this little boy’s loving life.
xoRobin
He is blessing all of us – we’re so happy he is in the family, Robin.
It’s a wonderful happy thing indeed. He looks like such an adorable little chap. I’m so very happy for you all.
Thank you, CJ.
I am
In awe
In utter amazement
Infatuated with your whole family
This is such an incredible story. This little boy is going to be surrounded by love, the most important thing of all. Congratulations to you, the proud aunt! :-)
What a lovely post. I too am amazed by your whole family. You will make a great auntie :-)
That little guy has one great and amazing family!!
What a beautiful story!
What an adorable little boy. Your sister and her husband are truly blessed…. and so is their little miracle boy. When I saw that you’d written this on a Tuesday, it brought to mind the expression, “Tuesday’s child is full of grace.” xx
So incredibly moving. Both you and Meredith have a gift for writing. I am so happy for Little Z! He is surrounded by unbounded love. Blessings, Tammy