~Then~

JUNE 4TH, 2010

~Now~

JUNE 4TH, 2011

To say it's been a crazy first year would be a radical understatement! With Ellies sweet arrival and then, just three months later, daddy's sudden and tragic departure, tears of joy turned instantly into a steady flow of sorrow. But if ever I needed proof that God is real, well now I indeed have it.

Hind sight is 20/20. And looking back now at how the whole story leading up to Dens departure, was so masterfully and delicately written for us, simply takes my breath away. The story is long and one day I will share, in sequence, all the amazing plans the Lord made in preparation for September 20th, 2010. Right now, its still too raw. The bitter sweet gifts from a savior. Gifts so intentional that most of it leaves me speechless. All of which began one quiet Saturday morning as I sat alone drinking coffee at the kitchen table. I'll never forget the moment God whispered adoption into my heart. And so it was, from that day forward, events designed to cradle our soon to be broken hearts, began to unfold. Events that paved the way to my little angel, Miss Ellie Grace. Truly a gift from God. When Ellie joined our family, Dennis and I marveled at how "perfect" she was ALL THE TIME. Everyone around us was amazed at what an unusually sweet child she was. She adjusted to every disruption and settled in to our family as if she had been in our arms forever. She simply seemed too good to be true (PAE). But its all so very clear now. Miss Ellie had a mission ordained by the heavens. A mission to provide joy in the midst of sorrow and comfort in the midst of lonley. She is a constant reminder, that GOD IS SO VERY GOOD!

Thank you Lord for caring so much for my little family and providing such amazing eternal gifts. Thank you for allowing me to see your relentless heart through the cloud of tears. Thank you for being so intentional.