At Last...

She has been a dear, dear friend to me for over 20 years...

She's the friend who, when I was an absolute mess in college, months after my little sister died, let me crash in her dorm room....no expectations, no judgment...she just opened her door and her arms to me...

I was angry and afraid and I pushed everyone away...I was not an easy friend...

however, she's not afraid of difficult...
she's not afraid to get in the trenches...
she has a HOPE and a deep, deep assurance that surpasses even common sense...

As she walked with me during that journey of grief, I watched her and I leaned on her strength...

If only we had known then what the future held...

She waited patiently for her Prince Charming...many college friends got married and she participated in many 'a "ring down"...and when those same friends started having children, she was there with words of encouragement and excitement...and still she waited...

He did come though...

I was pregnant with baby girls #3, waddling into the pew to watch them exchange vows...and I was so, so thankful to see someone cherish her so unconditionally...it's what she waited for and so deserved...

But, the waiting wasn't over...

It's been 5 long years of hopeful anticipation...and a roller coaster of emotions...I wouldn't be able to do it justice...to explain the journey they've been on...and yet, she and her husband have stayed the course...I can't imagine the depths of longing, the pain of disappointment that they've had to endure...

I don't understand God's plan...however, He DOES have a PLAN...and in HIS time...WOW...the outcomes are beyond our wildest dreams!

This little guy made his appearance in early December and just a few days later, he belonged to a forever family!

Their joy was uncontainable...(is that a word?)  it doesn't matter...you get the idea...

And OH to see them look at him, LOVE on him, hold & cuddle him...he is theirs completely and wholly!

This little guy will be L.O.V.E.D....he already is...he is their miracle...their long awaited dream come true! How appropriate that he showed up at Christmas too :)  What a sweet reminder!

I was honored to kiss those sweet little cheeks and snuggle him close...I love his sweet expressions when he is awake...his wide eyed wonder...he is just content in his Mommy's arms.

They will be amazing parents...of that I have no doubt...

Thank you friends for comin' out to introduce this little guy...thank you for sharing just a bit of that happiness with me...I love your family...and I'm just so, so happy for you!!!