Courage

Courage

It’s a word I have heard thrown around lately.  There is some public debate as to whom that word may apply to.  My social media has been blown up with memes supporting or descrying individuals who may or may not be worthy of the moniker.  My television argues that courage may have more to do with lifestyle choices than with actions…until I switch the channel and hear the exact opposite.  I’m not sure I’ve ever seen word a highjacked by so many to support their political and social positions.  I’m not sure I’m discerning enough to define that term within our culture.  No, I’m not sure what courage means to us.  But I know what it looks like.

For the past four years, I have followed the stories of parents pursuing adoption.  I have seen families start, not in the maternity ward, but in institutional buildings where the kids get to remember the first meeting with mom and dad.  All are inspiration stories and most end in children going from emotional destitution to health and growth in a loving family.  But before that…before the happy every after…comes fear.

I spent some time today thinking about getting my little girls.  We are soooooo close!  I’m hopeful that we will be traveling within the month.  The first time I get to see them face to face, I am going to be overwhelmed with emotions like love and joy.  But what will they feel?  Here are two strangers who have come to take them away from the only life they have known.  Strangers who don’t look the same, who don’t speak the same, who are about to thrust them into a world they can’t even conceive of.  I can’t imagine having an experience like that.  I would be beyond terrified.  I’ve never faced anything like that in my life.  But my girls will.  They will be afraid.  They will face upheaval.  But with a courage I could never muster, they will move beyond fear and into family.  

So thanks, girls, for being a great example amongst so many bad ones.  Thanks for inspiring me before we’ve even met.  As hard as this journey is going to be, I can’t wait to walk it with you.  Because, ultimately, your courage transforms more than just you.  It effects me too. After all, I get to go from being a stranger to being daddy.  And nothing will be better than that.