Absolutely without a doubt!

Several people have asked us if it was possible to have the same feeling for an adopted child that happens for a biological child.  I can honestly say without a doubt that yes it is the same.  The love started in a different but very similar fashion.  When we found out we were having our boys there was an overwhelming sense of needing to protect them from anything that could possibly hurt them.  Never again would I sit in the smoking section of a restaurant no matter how long the wait was for a nonsmoking seat.  When we heard their little heartbeats they started to become real and the seed of love began to grow.  The ultrasound confirmed that realness and the love grew.  Then finally the moment that they came into this world and were placed in our arms, there was that overwhelming wash of unconditional love that nothing can change.  It is similar with Josie.  The moment we saw her picture and learned that this child could be our daughter, we had a sense of needing to get to her to see if she is being taken care of.  We wanted to protect her and our only way was thru prayer.  We had to let God be her protector. The first time we met her our hearts melted and we wanted to be her parents but we felt as if there was still so much uncertainity so we had to guard our hearts a little.  With each passing visit we could feel the love for her growing until the moment that she was placed in our arms forever.  There was that overwhelming wash of unconditional love that just can't be changed.  In a way with the adoption of Josie we had to rely on God so much more.  It felt as we had less control over the outcome than with our boys.  As soon as we decided that we would adopt we began praying for her wherever she was.  We knew we had no control over if she was getting good nutrition or care or what conditions she faced.  We had to leave that in God's hands.  Until we meet our Heavenly Father we will never know why our precious daughter began her life 1/2 a world away but I'm so very glad that we followed his plan and she came into our lives.  We just can't imagine our family without her.  Our lives have been forever changed in so many ways.  

The Gift of Life

I didn't give you the gift of life,

But in my heart I know.

The love I feel is deep and real,

As if it had been so.

For us to have each other

Is like a dream come true!

No, I didn't give you

The gift of life,

Life gave me the gift of you.

--- Unknown