The adoption

April 7th....I consider it Gabriel's other birthday now. The long journey that brought us to April 7, 2011 was full of ups and downs....tears and smiles...so many emotions that can't even be put into words. Gabriel is an amazing young man. Already 11 years old....it feels like yesterday he was 9 months and I was meeting him for the first time. He was a chunky baby...did not smile much...there was a bit of mystery behind his eyes. Who knew back then that, that moment would be the begining of a life that I had not planned for. That is the beauty of life...we are not in control of our lives...God is...and his plan for us is so much better than the one that we plan in our mind for ourselves. I would not change anything in my life...its all lead me to where I am today...

Wouldn't it be nice if I said that Gabriel was always this sweet, loving child that was so easy to care for...I would love to say that but it's just not true. Taking care of him for the first few years was a challenge...to say the least. Gabriel is a victim of abuse and neglect and has left him with some disorders that makes life difficult at times. But no matter the challenge...I LOVE HIM SO MUCH. Even through the difficult times...we had GREAT times. He is the best cuddler in the world...is thoughtful and kind to others. He is a thinker...always planning. He wants to be the President of the United States when he grows up...but says that he will also be a NBA player and a photographer...I think he can do it all too :)

He has always not only loved sports of any kind but played well...learns fast and always gives 100%. I admire that about him. When things get tough with learning a new sport...he listens well and gives it his all until he perfects what he is doing. That is a quality in him that I hope he carrys with him always...Last summer was the first year that he played soccer at a camp. He was honored with "Camper of the week". They said he was the best listener, tried his best, and never gave up. That is the moments that make all the other moments worth it...

Its weird to look at the pictures of him at 3 playing tee ball...and then seeing him now. Where has the time gone? How did he grow so fast?

Gabe is always making me laugh....in this picture he was practicing his yoga :)

Gabe was so excited and nervous for the adoption ceremony...because he has never been to a court...he did not know what to expect. He was afraid that the judge would yell like Judge Judy on TV....
I asked him what he wanted to ask the judge...he said he thought he might ask if she wanted to go out to lunch....Gabe is one of the sweetest, funniest people I know. What a blessing he is....

Gabe invited Pete, MaryLee and Jack to the ceremony. People that are very important in his life...people that he considers family!

Gabe has made an impact on people's lives...he cares about the people that he loves from deep in his soul...another quality that I find admirable. He is thoughtful and loving...worrys about people that he loves when they are sick, injured or have been through tough times. At such young age...to already have such a deep emotional impact people is amazing to me...

Now that the adoption is final...it feels like a huge weight has been lifted. You will now be safe forever...in a home where you are loved no matter what you do in life...no matter who or what you become. That's what family is...