Our First Year

Written by Heather

This time last year we were anxiously anticipating new and wonderful additions to our family. We had just met Ariana, Asa, Andrew, and Melissa, but already felt completely at ease with them. Meeting extended family on November 9, 2012, for the entrustment ceremony, that feeling continued. There was never anything that felt more right.

Now, a year later, that feeling is even more solidified. We have come a long way in such a short time. This family, clearly created by God himself, will stand strong together through anything. Of this I am sure.

I thank God for bringing us all together. I thank Melissa, Andrew, and Asa for their courage to think "outside the box," and for their trust in us. I also thank God for their immense love for and pride in everything Ariana. I thank Jim for his strength of faith and for the wonderful daddy and husband he is. I thank Ariana for completely changing my life and how I see the world. And I thank all our loved ones, and even those I do not know, for the immense pouring out of love and support.

It is my great honor to be Ariana's mother. The joy she brings every day is beyond words. Her soul is pure and innocent, as any child's, but this is most obvious when you look into her eyes. She can draw attention from across a room, from a complete stranger. She is intent, observant, funny, beautiful, and very stubborn. As she grows, I know she will use these and the rest of her God given gifts fully to her advantage. This could be trouble.

At the forming of this unique family, Melissa suggested the moniker, "The A Team." I being a child of the 80's thought of the TV show. This led me to wonder who would be who? This was not easy, but this is what I came up with.

 

First, I figured Jim was "Murdock" - it's his goofiness, I guess. He is certainly not insane, actually he's probably the most sane person I know. I pegged Melissa for "Hannibal." To me, she is the leader, the organizer. Andrew would be "Faceman" - it's the Andy Garcia thing he's got going on. I myself am left being "BA." Don't let my size fool you, Sucka, I am the enforcer! I do not mind getting my hands dirty. What do you think?

Honestly, I feel we all have the best qualities of each of these characters. We are all flexible enough to take on different roles as needed. This is part of what makes this work so well. We will change hats, so to speak, to lift up and support whatever team member is in need. For now, the team is solid in support of Ari and Asa. This Saturday, we add supporting myself. This support is emotional and will probably end up being physical as well. After over four hours of running, I am not sure if I will still be able to stand on my own. But, no matter, The A Team will be there and that will make everything possible.

So, four more days left. Days of rest, hydration, stretching, and anticipation. We may not reach our monetary goal, but we have far surpassed our goals as a family over this first year. I am so proud to be a part of The A Team and so thankful for the amazing year it has brought. I pray for God's continued guidance and blessing on us and on all of you.