One other highlight of our time with Josh's family was having Noah's birth mother, Tania, come out to visit again. This time she brought her father, Hector, as well. We had never met Hector before except through a special family necklace he left for Noah at the hospital after he was born. It was a truly touching gift to receive and hear the nurses retell Tania's reaction to his leaving it for Noah. She said she had never in her life seen him take it off. It belonged to her grandfather. Needless to say, it is kept in the Lifebook I made for Noah until he is old enough to keep it safe himself. The only thing more touching than that gesture from Hector for Noah was getting to see Hector, this tall, lean, quiet, handsome man, drop to his knees moments after seeing Noah and embracing Noah and whispering over him, stroking his arms and kissing his head.
I do not exaggerate when I tell you I had to look away to keep from crying. There just aren't words to describe the emotion of a moment like that - for birth OR adoptive family. He was so kind, so gentle, so affectionate, so grateful, and so loving toward Noah, and us too for that matter. I don't think the image of him holding Noah will ever fade in my mind. And Noah stood so still while this man he does not know just held and hugged him. Throughout the day whenever Noah was within reach, Hector would hold his hand, kiss his arms, stroke his head. And Noah was willing when Hector would offer to pick him up or hold him. I was so glad that Noah did not choose this day, or this visitor, to be sheepish with.
Noah was more familiar with Tania, having seen her already this year and hearing us mention her a lot. He played games with her, chased her, rode the Kubota with her, took walks and kicked balls with her. At one point in the afternoon he was plain old pooped out having missed his nap. So he just sat and sat and sat with Tania. This time, too, was a quiet sweet moment for him with her and it was beautiful to see.
A number of hours later, as Tania and Hector got ready to leave, Noah announced that "Tahna come again." Lo and behold, the next morning Tania called and asked if she could come out again. Of course we agreed and this time she came out with her friend, Morgan, whom we met a couple years ago during another visit. He's a good friend of hers who was a real support to her during her pregnancy when there were very few people on her side. They stayed and played and watched and talked with Noah (and us) for about 5 hours. And I think it is safe to say that after a day with Noah, they've met their "Hide-n-Seek" and "Go Fish" quotas for awhile.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Noah is one lucky boy to have so many special people who love him.
4 comments:
That is such a beautiful recap of your visit with Tania. I think it's just amazing, as you said, that Noah was so willing to be so comfortable with them. I know they are smitten with him and will treasure each and every visit with him.
Still so amazed at how God has worked in this situation - simply incredible. As Noah gets older, I can really see the resemblance. Were you able to see the birth father too? I was thinking you had seen him before, but my memory may not be working.
No - we haven't seen Justin since that first visit when Noah was 8 months old. I did ask Tania if she still keeps in touch with him (they broke up awhile back) and she said they speak almost every day. He just moved to NM with his dad looking for work. I asked her if he ever asks about Noah and she said sometimes. But I am guessing that was a polite was of saying...not really. She went on to say he's the type to mostly just block out bad or difficult things. So no, we don't count on seeing him ever again, but you never know really.
Okay... I think this is the 3rd time I've looked at this post and I love it. Love it. Love the pictures of your sweet boy with his birth family. Love the story of the necklace. Love the display of love that is such a beautiful example of sacrificial love. Love the uniqueness of this adoption. Just love it. God is so good.
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