This Reminds Me

We celebrated our third Sister’s Day today, remembering when Julia came home from Russia and became not only our daughter, but also the sister of Rachel, Lois and Hannah.  That sibling relationship and subsequent attachment has been every bit as important as her relationship and subsequent attachment to Keith and me.  We were a “unit” before she arrived; we weren’t interested in just adding another child.  We wanted to expand our family – all of it.  So while most adoptive families celebrate “Gotcha Day,” we celebrate “Sister’s Day,” in whatever fashion (within reason) the girls choose.

The girls chose lunch at Chili’s, followed the new movie Up, then a trip to Borders.    Up chronicled the adventure of an elderly man and a young boy discovering the real meaning of family in a foreign country.  Rachel, Lois and Hannah cried.  I could have.   It’s just a great movie, and perfect for today.  I particularly related to a scene where the elderly man reads a newly-discovered wish from his much-treasured, deceased bride:  “Thanks for the adventure.  Now go have another.”   Keith and I had ours in St. Petersburg three years ago, called by God, and spurred by the thought that we didn’t want to lament on our death beds, “Oh, I wish I had…..”

Rachel got a special “Chicken Soup for the Soul Celebrates Sisters” book to mark her upcoming graduation, inscribed by each sister – including Julia.  Who, by the way (and surely not to brag) was rated “Advanced – High” or “Advanced” on every category of her end-of-school-year Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System” examination. 

Hannah surprised each sister – plus Keith and me – with handmade cards and a chocolate treat in each.  Julia waited about 10 seconds to scarf the Nestle’s Crunch bar.

Today was special at church, too, with Senior Sunday, and Rachel’s recognition with other graduating high schoolers.

Part of the recognition at church included a slide show with “way back” pictures of each graduate.  Rachel and I included this one, to surprise Keith – whose beard might have been a little scary to his firstborn.

The Shearer Hills Baptist Church Youth Choir led us in worship today, too.  That’s Lois in black on the far right, then friend Brooke and Rachel.  and Hannah half-hidden behind Rachel.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

I thank my God when I remember you

For he has blessed my life with yours

In every prayer of mine for you

I’m filled with joy for I hold you

I hold you in my heart.

And yes, girls – I do thank my God when I remember you, for he has blessed my life with yours.  In every prayer of mine for you, I’m filled with joy, for I hold you in my heart.

I love all four of you.  Happy Sister’s Day.   xoxoxo yo mama

11 Responses to “Sisters Day 2009”