A Kid Noone Wants

Apparently the internet brings adoptive children straight into your living room. I appreciate the aspect of convenience, but I find it slightly disturbing to be shopping for children as though they were a pair of shoes or a used DVD. Perhaps I am thinking the wrong way.

Unfortunately, there are many unwanted children born each day. While adoption is often "sold" as a great alternative to parenting, many of these children do not leave the child welfare system until they have aged out.

If I had lovingly placed my child for adoption and later found my child's face plastered on the internet with an advertisement under the picture, I would be devastated. The children are listed like job postings with dates to track updates. How would you feel to see your child's picture posted for months or even years?!

Please don't misunderstand me, I realize the intentions are very good. Anything that helps the child to be adopted... I just wonder if this affects the dignity of the children involved. Please let me know what you think.

Pouring Rain

Besides for the death of my grandmother, the month on August began far more eventful than I would have hoped for. On the Sunday before the funeral, my cousin was rushed to the ER via ambulance after what appeared to be a seizure. Three aunts and an uncle were nearly killed in an accident when the driver fell asleep at the wheel. I also learned that a good friend of our was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. She's in her early 40's. This all happened in one day.

A couple of days earlier, I was told that the father of a long time friend was in ICU because of a serious stroke. As I was preparing to return home, the phone at my parents' home rang, and along with it came news of the death of a cousin of ours. She had just returned home from our family reunion. No one knew she was sick.

For me, this was a trying time. While it has been a time of transition and good things for our little family unit, my extended family has undergone some challenges and tragedies. When it rains, it pours. Matthew 5:45 tells us that it rains on the just and the unjust, so I cannot decide that these circumstances are sent as punishment. While that may sometimes be the case, each difficult circumstance is an opportunity for growth. At times it is a sign, and changes are needed. Continue to pray for my family and friends. The month had a rough start, but God is still on His throne, and He has not left us.

Loss

My life has been a whirlwind of activity lately. For those of you who know me personally, you may know that I lost my last living grandparent last week. My grandmother was a constant presence in my life, and I already miss her dearly. Although she had been ill for some time, her death was still a shock. She seemed to be improving. The grieving began quickly as the tears began to flow.

My mother was devastated. Both of her parents are gone now. Her pain was palpable, and comforting her was a challenge. But thank God for the ultimate Comforter we find in the Holy Spirit.

So, I thank each of you for all of your kind words and thoughts and prayers. I have felt the warmth of your love envelop me. I have not felt alone. Thank you for your kindness.

I also have so much to say my experiences with my extended family over the last 2 weeks. Whew! Stay tuned...