The Gift of Life, The Gift of Matthew

This past weekend our eldest son, Matthew, graduated from High School. And I was…

A. Mess.

Matthew’s name means “Gift of Life”. And that he has been. Seven years of infertility left Doc and I at the end of our rope. The journey took us to a place of surrender. We were ready to stop all the medical trauma and give up the dream of biological children.

We just wanted to be parents.

Thus began our adoption journey. We were grateful to have worked with an amazing agency. We were even more grateful to have developed a relationship with an amazing young birth-mother and her family. We had never even considered an open adoption but God had other plans. I will be forever grateful that once again I didn’t get “my way.” Had the adoption gone according to plan we have only sent cards and photos to the agency. Oh the fears I had!

But God would have none of it. Our son Matthew was destined to be loved and destined to know how much he was loved by his birth Mom, grandparents and extended family.

The tiny baby that we held 18 1/2 years ago has grown.

His first Christmas was just last week.

Soon we were watching Winnie the Pooh.

Kindergarten was a few days later.

In a blink it was time for trick or treating.

Before we knew it he had learned to water-ski.

The next day was a trip in the RV.

Yesterday was his last track meet.

And this morning He’s a High School graduate.

All in a blink.

It happens so fast.

18 years…FULL of life!

Indeed…Matthew Christian Martin Krall has been the gift of life at 1 North Harmon. His arrival paved the way for two more Darlings. But more importantly He paved the way for some of the greatest work in my heart.

I never knew I could:

Care so much.

Hurt so big.

Laugh so loud.

Cry so hard.

God has used and continues to use Matthew to carve more life into my soul than I ever thought possible. And I. Am. Grateful.

“He gives childless couples a family, gives them joy as the parents of children. Hallelujah!” Psalm 113:9 MSG

{Don’t forget! It’s Inspire Me Monday with Angie Ryg! If your Monday could use a boost of inspiration check out the links below! Let’s live life inspired!}

Your DoAhead Friend,