Daddy's Turn!

After enormous calling for a post from dad, I finally decided to answer the prayers of thousands; okay hundreds; okay, okay two people and post my thoughts and feelings. Today was a shopping day so I am sure everyone who knows my wife can empathize with my pain. We started out in a small mall that had various Chinese teas, carvings, etc. I basically played with Madeleine on the escalators. Then it was off to the mall of the jewelry variety. Yes, you read correctly a mall (6 floors) of nothing and I mean nothing but jewelry! You could buy pearls by the bag full! We had already used up the pearl money so it was just looking for us. The rest of the day was quiet and concluded with a group dinner at Lucy's and yet some more shopping (I could hardly contain my excitement!).

Those who have followed the daily posts my wife has made have gotten some insight into the process and the emotion of our experience. She has eloquently recapped our days and emotions (I give her my best material). It has been a very surreal ordeal that is hard to describe. I can honestly say that the wave of emotion is hard to deal with. When they put Audrey in our arms it was a high of excitement and adrenaline that the moment was here. It was as if the red thread connecting us which was thousands of miles long at one point was now wrapping around Monique, Madeleine, Audrey and I in a way that bonded us together as a family.


Words cannot begin to express the way I feel on a daily basis. We were truly blessed almost three years ago when they placed Madeleine in our arms. I never thought that I could feel that emotion again. Now, to be back in China with Madeleine, as Audrey joins our family it is very overwhelming. I was thinking about a way to describe the emotion and the Martina McBride song, "In My Daughter's Eyes" continues to bob into my head. Part of the song goes as follows:

This miracle God gave to me gives me
strength when I am weak
I find reason to believe
In my daughter's eyes

And when she wraps her hand
around my finger
Oh it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about

It's hangin' on when your heart
has had enough
It's giving more when you feel like giving up
I've seen the light
It's in my daugter's eyes

I apologize for the use of song lyrics (I know a bit cheesy) but I figured these were so perfect in describing the emotion. Many who have kids can relate to these lyrics. It is so true that my daughters have become this guiding force. The love I feel for them is all-encompassing. I look in their eyes and I see the innocence of life and yet draw strength that helps me deal with the future. God has truly blessed us. I often laugh when we talk to locals here and they say thank you and that the children are so lucking to have us adopting them. Though these sentiments are nice and heart-felt, but it is we who are blessed to have these children become part of our lives. Madeleine and Audrey are these beautiful children that humble us. When I look into Madeleine and Audrey's eyes, I see the possibilities and hope of what could be. These wonderful kids are a source of energy that helps me try harder or be smarter.

I can only hope that everyone could feel this emotion at least once in their lives. There is no better feeling then making my "Buddha-belly" Audrey laugh and giggle or when after a hard or trying day, Madeleine gives me a hug out-of-the-blue and says "Daddy, I love you." It is such a great feeling that it literally produces tears of joy.

This journey that God has chosen for us is one that is truly wonderful. We have embraced this challenge and look forward to the journey of raising and guiding these children. Alright, enough sappy junk. I can't believe my Fantasy Football team has fallen to pieces! And can the Mets sign someone, please! Anyway, I digress, I want to thank all of you for your support and kind words. I cannot truly express what they have meant to us. We look forward to seeing you all soon!