promises, promises

Today our family walked into a courtroom (frankly, I hope it's the last time we all need to be in a courtroom together!).  Steve and I took turns taking the stand where we assured a judge that we understood that we MUST provide Molly Kate with food, shelter, clothing and education.  We promised that we fully understood that in having the State of Wisconsin recognize her adoption, it means that Molly Kate can inherit from us - and we from her.  We agreed - to it all - and it was as easy as breathing. 

It struck me tonight as I was tucking my merry little sprite into her bed that a year ago on this night, bedtime was much rougher.  Bedtime was always the time that Molly Kate's grief overcame her.  She would raise her tired little arms to me and I would bring her into the bed - on my chest - where she would dissolve into pitiful tears until exhaustion overcame her and she drifted into sleep.  Things could not be more different this year - she is most often glad to go to bed.  She runs hard all day and she's "tire" by the time bedtime rolls around.  She's comfortable.  She's safe, she's warm, and she knows that we love her. 

We promised, a year ago in China, to love her and provide for her forever.  It was as easy as breathing even then - there was never any question.  But now...well...now it's different.  Now we know just exactly who we're promising for and that makes it even easier than breathing.  It was my honor today to pledge to be her mama forever and ever.  I pray that those of our children for whom it's a challenge to remember that we will love them forever and ever.  Absolutely. Without question. were listening and heard those words - those promises - and the ease with which we made them.