A Statement to the Judge

Today is Baby M's first day with her relatives, so I thought I'd share the statement we gave to the judge at yesterday's status hearing:

 

"It has been our honor to love 'M'. When she first became a part of our family, she was malnourished and addicted to drugs. We prayed for the Lord to protect her and help her grow. Everyone we know - from extended family members on both sides of the family, to church members, and many other additional friends and acquaintances - have prayed for her recovery. And today, because of the grace of God's answer to hundreds of prayers, she is a thriving and joyful baby girl.

'M' has been our daughter for 8 months. She has learned to crawl, talk, and take her first few steps all within the reach of our loving hands. She eagerly makes a mess of her brothers' toys (as all little sisters do) and grunts in objection when the fun of bath time is over. She loves to sing, dance, and laugh. She has a small frame and a spunky personality that work together to win even the hardest of hearts over. She has been loved by everyone we know despite the fact that we don't share her DNA. All children deserve this kind of love from others, but it is most meaningful to us that our love has been shown to her on behalf of the Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We pray that even though her memory of us will eventually fade that the foundation we have given her through Jesus Christ will never fade. And we know he has a very special plan for her.

Our hearts are broken over 'M's' physical removal from our family. She knows us as Mom, Dad, grandma, grandpa, brother, aunt, uncle, cousin, teacher, and friend. We believe she should be able to stay in the environment she has come to know as 'family,' because it is in this environment where she has experienced emotional and physical healing and been given the chance to thrive. However, we find strength in the knowledge that God is in control even when we are not. We understand that, 'Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is [his] faithfulness.' (Lamentations 3:22-23)"

 

I hope to post again soon, but my emotions are very raw at the moment. Yesterday was the hardest, gut-wrenching day I've ever experienced in my life. Case in point: our baby girl cried as she was put into the caseworker's car because she could sense the tension. And I've never seen my husband more distraught than he was yesterday. It was all very disturbing. But we sincerely thank you for your continued prayers and look forward to seeing God's continued provision through this difficult time.