Amazing Day

Last week I had one of the coolest experiences of my life thus far. I got to spend time with a newborn baby girl during her first hours of life while we waited for her adoptive family to come care for her. I could not bear the thought of her spending her first hours here on earth in a sterile plastic bassinet. I sat in the rocking chair near the window and held her close as the rain poured down and Bewitched played in the background. As I stared down at this tiny human being, I could not imagine anything more perfect. Her long, skinny fingers and her pouty little lips. Her delicate ears pressed against the side of her head. Her cheeks were round and full, while her twig-like legs were covered with wrinkly skin. She was angelic. I wished I knew what her name was so that I could speak it to her. The nurse nicknamed her "Cutie" while I called her "Sweet Girl". I could not help but think what an amazingly loving sacrifice her birth mother and birth father had just made hours before and what this little one's new life would be like with her forever family. I have the privilege of knowing both of these families and they are without a doubt some of the most unselfish and loving people I have ever met. I hope this child grows to understand how precious and loved she is by her birth family, forever family and by our God. As the hours passed and the adoptive family's journey to the hospital was nearly complete, I grew so anxious for this sweet little girl to meet her mother and father. I silently said a prayer over her and got her ready to meet this couple who had been praying for her before she was even born. Our last few moments together were spent looking out the window into the outside world she would soon join. The adoptive family entered the room and I was privileged to introduce them to their new daughter. There were smiles that light up the room and tears streaming down dry faces. The new mother let out a huge sigh of relief as I handed this sweet little one over to her, as if to say "finally she is here". The new dad had the video camera and was taping the beautiful life-changing moment. I asked if they had a name picked out and they eagerly told me, it was perfect for her. I had this overwhelming sense that everything was right. This sweet little girl was exactly where she was suppose to be and I was blessed to be able to spend just a few beautiful hours with her.