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There are many important dates in an adoption:
These are the most memorable for me, although every adoptive parent has their own. I’ve shared before about the importance of the date I chose for our finalization, but today I’m going to talk a little bit about the day itself.
I don’t remember what time we got to the courthouse, or how long it took to get inside. I don’t remember much of what the judge or the attorney said. It was an overwhelming day; I was overwhelmed with the feelings and emotions of exactly what that day meant.
I had heard stories about adoptive parents getting emotional during their finalization hearing, and I was determined to keep myself together. The judge asked if I agreed to “bestow upon him all the rights of a natural-born child?” With a lump in my throat, I nodded, yes. Then he told me we were bound together forever as parent and child, and the tears came. Nearly seven years of agony were over. I was a mother in every sense of the word.
This is the only picture I have of us with the judge. Sorry, the lighting was terrible…
![A group of people posing for the camera with a baby boy](https://www.yellowblissroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/untitled.bmp)
There is something inherently different about adoption – with childbirth, no one asks you if you promise to love and keep your child, but with adoption, you make a verbal and legally binding commitment to the child whom you have chosen to parent. You stand before a judge, and numerous other county employees, and make a conscious decision to take on the responsibility of the life another human being.
It was the greatest, most selfless thing I have ever done.
Wow, girl the blog looks great. I may need to enlist in your help. I am just not getting it, plus since now I have to make everything from scratch I don’t have the time to research how to do everything… and I am impatient.
So beautiful! I am glad you have that picture…what a wonderful memory!
We have an adopted granddaughter who is so very special to us too. And we will love her always and forever!!!!!!
Happy Wednesday.
Linda @ Truthful Tidbits
I loved this post!! It made me tear up when I read that the judge said, “Bound together forever”!
You’re right, adoption is a different experience! We have never adopted (yet!) but I know this because of how the Lord Jesus adopted me (Romans 8:15, 23 and Ephesians 1:5)
What a blessing to know this gift so personally! Thanks for sharing this on Jenilee’s meme!!!
(I thought I commented earlier, but it must not have gone through, oops!)
What a beautiful, precious memory. Tears fill my eyes as I read your words. Thank you so much for sharing this…