This post is very late in coming, and I apologize. I have been busy, sick, Keahi has been sick, we've been out of town, busy some more and living life in its every day madness. There, that's my excuse - take it or leave it. :0)
What a day January 16th, 2010 was for our family! We had been told by our adoption case worker that Kiki would be able to come and not only witness but participate in Keahi's sealing to our family.
Well... he was wrong. To make a VERY long and honestly quite frustrating story short, she was told {in the Temple} yes, then no, then yes again and finally {sadly} no. It seriously broke my heart to watch her leave, and I still pray that she knows how much we wanted her to be there.
Her mom held Keahi during the sealing which, for us, was really touching and made it that much more beautiful.
Our little Coconut was perfect - smiling, happy... you could honestly see the joy in her eyes and KNOW that she understood what was happening. When I looked at her, I felt so much love coming from her for us, it was incredible.
And, of course, amid all this peace and perfection, there was our sweet little Madi who was so weirded out by our Temple clothes {for those of you who have been endowed, you truly understand why she was so startled! And for those of you who haven't, just trust me when I say I don't blame her!} that she preferred to sit with Yvette until after all was said and done.
Then she smiled a shy little smile and crawled up on my lap. :0)
It's almost impossible to describe the feelings and the strength of the Spirit we experienced during those moments, but I can tell you that my testimony has been strengthened ten-fold because of it. I KNOW that we are Children of our loving Heavenly Father, and he knows who we are and what we are going through.
He prepares us for the things that we think are so devastating, and it may take years for the "Why?" to be answered. For us, that empty question of "Why only Madison? Why can't we have more children like everyone else can?" was answered by Kiki and her Christ-like sacrifice.
Maelee Keahi is an answer to our prayers. There is no question of it. We couldn't give her a body, but we know that she was meant to be a part of our eternal family. What a difficult, touching and sweet journey this adoption has been.
Clint was SO nervous to bless Keahi! It was simply beautiful - tender, strong and perfect. I wrote it down, but the paper got left in the church during all the commotion of leaving. I'm pretty sure we got most of it though, and I'd like to share it with you...
"Our Kind Heavenly Father,we come before thee with this child in our arms, to give her a name and a blessing. The name by which she shall be known is Maelee Namakaokeahi. Keahi, at this time we give you a blessing. We bless you that your body and mind will grow strong and that you will grow to love the gospel and the scriptures, and that you will work hard and pursue an education. We bless you that you will meet and marry a worthy returned missionary in a Temple of our Heavenly Father and go on to raise righteous children, that you will teach them the principles of the gospel that you have learned throughout your life. Keahi, we bless you that you will always remember the sacrifice that was made to allow you the blessings of the Temple. Always remember that sacrifice, honor it and use it to guide you throughout your life. You will be an example to your sister and your friends. Keahi, you have brought so much joy into our family. Use that joy and share it with others that you come in contact with. We leave this blessing with you in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen."
So, now all is finished.
Life goes on in a series of diapers, boogies, cutting teeth, crawling, baby-proofing, new foods and much treasured naps. Madi and Maelee Keahi are best buds {and wrestling partners} and we are absolutely loving our family of 4! Thank you to everyone who came and supported us, and thank you yet again to Kiki and her family for Keahi. We couldn't be where we are without you, and without your love for this beautiful little girl.
Thank you.
7 comments:
Congratulations you guys! My family adopted children too, and it truly is such an amazing experience to have them sealed to you. Of course, I was just an observer of my siblings' sealings (which makes me wonder why they didn't let her Kiki in!), I can only imagine how amazing it must have been for you! She is so beautiful!
Oh what at touching story! I can't believe the journey you two have been on. I was so touched from Keahi biological mom to you! You are such a inspiration. Thanks for sharing and good luck with Keahi and Madi! They are both adorable and incredibly lucky to have you and Clint as their parents.
I am so happy for you and your sweet family! What a (mostly) wonderful day! Congratulations!!
Isn't Sunday morning wonderful? You have all that time now to update your blog! :)
I am so glad that I was able to be there and share in that special day with you. You have such a beautiful family, and that blessing was perfect. Love you guys!
Congratulations to you and your beautiful family. I am touched to hear about your family's journey. I too have been asking the "why" question. Thanks for sharing about your amazing experience.
Oh Tiffany, that is such a sweet experience. And the Blessing along with everything, it sounds like an amazing experience! I am so excited for you guys to be in your cute little family of 4!
Very sweet Tiffany. I loved reading this...it was almost as if we were there. Love ya.
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