One year ago today a precious little boy had his forever family. I was in Massachusetts when I got the e-mail from his mommy saying, "We've got him." What beautiful words they were to read. I cannot give thanks and praise enough to God for creating this child. He has brought so much love, laughter, joy, and gratefulness to our lives. To hear him say, "I love you" brings an emotion I cannot even describe. He is not the first of my grandchildren and hopefully not the last. Each one is unique and equally loved. But today is the first anniversary of Harrison's Gotcha Day, as it is called in the world of adoption.
He is all boy. Trucks and swords and playing loud and rough. He has learned English so well he has to be taught Mandarin again. He knows he is Chinese but he knows he is American. He told me the big remote is Chinese so it is his. Haha He has a little Southern drawl that is more pronounced on some words than others. He knows he is loved.
It's funny how adopted children take on the personalities of their adoptive parents the same way biological children do. It's like God leaves a blank gene to absorb the characteristics of the new family, not the physical traits but definitely the personality and character traits. I know most will say that is learned behavior, but I think it is much more, much deeper than that. Watching one of his favorite movies with him is a repeat of watching movies with his daddy when he was a child. He is saying the script along with the characters. That used to drive his daddy's friends crazy. Many times I have said to him, "You are your father's child.". Not to relate him only to his daddy, for I know the same applies to his mommy. As his paternal grandmother those are the things I recognize in him.
I don't want him to grow up too fast, but I understand there is no holding that back. So I cherish every moment with him, God has a purpose in bringing this child here, far above just to be a part of us. I know one day God will use him in a mighty way. I may not be here to see it, but I know it will be.
