Timing Is EVERYTHING

One of the requirements of adopting in California is that adoptive parents have to take/attend 12 hours of parenting classes.  Saturday morning Bird and I were signed up to attend a class on caring for a newborn.  As a result, we were running around like crazy to get last minute errands done before dropping off Yaya at my parents and heading to class.  At the last minute, I decided to run into Starbucks to get a cup of coffee while Bird filled up our car with gas.  The events to follow were nothing short of divine intervention.

I hopped in line behind a very tall, beautiful woman I would soon come to know as Erica.  As usual, when you're in a hurry something happens that automatically takes an added 5-10 minutes.  Saturday, it just so happened the barista was in an unusually chatty mood.  After a few minutes, the woman in front of me turned around and made eye contact with me.  As she did she gave me a look that said "SERIOUSLY? Come on already!" I politely smiled back my agreement while the barista continued chatting along at her own pace. 

A couple minutes later I placed my order, and once again took my place in line behind the tall woman.  Only now, we were at the other end of the counter waiting for our orders to be made.  After a few more silent glances the woman in front of me began making small talk and asking me questions about the weather.  I returned the banter and asked if she was in town visiting family or friends.  Nothing could have prepared me for what would come out of her mouth next and it certainly answered why she was in such a hurry.  She calmly said, "No, we are on the way to the hospital to pick up our new baby."  My eyes once again locked with hers and I immediately clarified, "You're adopting a baby? TODAY!?"  She smiled and said, "Yes."  My eyes welled up with tears of joy for this beautiful stranger and I couldn't stop myself from jumping on her to give her a giant hug.  I told her we were in the process of adopting too and how happy I was for her.  Of course, that's when our names were both called from behind the counter and we were suddenly rushing to exchange basic questions and information. 

Me, "Have you met the baby yet?" 
Erica, "Yes."  Me, "What agency are you using?"
 Erica, "Bethany. Who's your social worker?"  Me, "Mona." 

Erica, "Ours too! Our profile is on line."  Me, "Ours too!"

As she walked out the door we wished each other well.   I don't know how she felt but I was walking on cloud 9.  I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.  I no longer cared how long I'd had to wait for my coffee. That extra 10-15 minutes made sense now and were so worth it!  I bounced all the way to our car and excitedly shared her story with Bird and Yaya.  Like me, smiles shot across their faces.  I think Yaya may have even squeeled with joy.

Upon arriving at our adoption class I shared the events of the morning with the other adoptive parents.  Like us, they were overjoyed to hear this wonderful news.  I haven't been able to stop thinking about Erica and her family all weekend and of course wanted to share my news here too.  God is SO GOOD!

While sharing in Erica's joy I haven't forgotten that someone else had to make a very difficult and heartbreaking decision.  I ask you to help me keep this birth mom in your prayers for peace.  I also ask that you send tons of warm and loving thoughts her way.

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Alone with My Thoughts