Louisiana recounts the time when she first got her first adopted children, Johnathon and Ronee', when they were just three months old.
Sunday, May 25, 2003~
Dear Johnathon and Ronee':
I can't believe it has been nearly 11 years since you first came into our life and our home.
I look at the two of you now, and I find it hard to believe even now that you are nearing the age of 11. You will both be 11 in December, which is only just about 6 months away from now. You, Ronee', will be 11 on Christmas Day, December 25, and Johnny, you will be 11 the day AFTER Christmas.
You both have grown and matured so much; and it is hard to believe that in only a few short years, you will be reaching adolescence. You are both heading towards puberty faster than I would like; and if there were a way I could freeze time and keep you both six years old or younger, believe you me, I WOULD!
You both have triumphed over tremendous odds, and you continue to do so even today. Both of you have overcome so much in the way of heartache and sickness in your young lives, and both of you have experienced things that NO child should EVER have to experience! Doctors didn't hold much in the way of hope for either one of you, and it is only by a Miracle that you are still here in our lives today. God has brought you through many dark valleys, and you have burst into the light in such a big and profound way. People are always amazed whenever they see you because they can't believe that you have survived so much trauma in your lives!
Now look at you. Johnny, you continue to astound and pass any expectations that doctors put on you, and Ronee', you have such a beautiful singing voice, and you are definitely on your way to becoming a star in country and Cajun music! Both of you have such endearing personalities, and people can't help but to be drawn to you whenever you meet them. You have a way of lifting people from hopelessness and dispair, and you have such a Gift of Witnessing to others about the Love and Saving Grace of your Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! I wish I had your determination and your boldness; I am not as open as you are, and I am so proud of you for standing tall in your beliefs and in your determination to overcome!
I still remember that day when you both came into our hearts and our home. Johnny, you were a little pudgeball with fuzzy white hair, and plump, kissable, pink cheeks, and Ronee', you were such a cutie with your crown of fuzzy black hair that stuck out wildly from your head, huge, bright-black eyes, and dimpled smile (that is, once you learned to smile!). You were both on supplimental oxygen at the time (and Ronee', you continued to be so throughout your first year of life); but we didn't see the oxygen: all we saw were two perfect babies who deserved our love and our support, and we loved you the moment we first laid eyes upon you!
Now you are both heading towards adolescence, and you never continue to amaze and astound. I wish I could take away some of the bad things you have had to experience in your young lives; but I think that these experiences have made you both stronger children today, and I think you two are wiser and more aware because of these experiences. You have had to grow up a lot sooner than most children your age, but you have handled the trauma splendidly, and you have emerged stronger and more courageous than ever. You aren't afraid of life itself, and if life threatens to knock you off your feet, both of you come up, punching and determined to get back on to your feet and move on.
You make me proud to be your mother, and I feel so blessed that God brought both of you into our hearts and home. You are both very bright and good kids, and you are no trouble at all to us. You may have your moments where you get into your moods or get into mischief, but you are only kids, and kids do that from time to time; and you have taught us love, compassion, and overall, strength in the face of incredible odds. You are my first adopted children, and you will always probably hold a special place in both your father's and my heart; and even though we TRY to treat all of the kids equally in terms of love or attention, you two are still probably our favorites! (We promise we won't show the other children this letter, and this is just between the four of us, meaning you two and us, your mother and father!)
Just know this, before we go: just try to do the best in whatever you do, and know that we are both behind you, 100%. If you fail, that is okay; it will only make you try harder next time, and we will NEVER be ashamed if you DO fail! Failure is a part of life, too, just as success is, and we will be behind you all the way! Don't EVER think for a minute that we are ashamed of you, because we are NOT. We love you too much!
With much love, your Maman, Louisiana.
*~*~*~*~HUGS and KISSES to you, Johnny and Ronee'!*~*~*~*
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