Today we have a BOGO. Think of it as an after-holiday sale without the crowds and the parking hassle. We are going to wrap up our December blog series with the last two messages I sent home from Sacramento. Email #6 was originally written June 7, 2018. My final email was sent June 10, 2018 after returning home the previous night.
Thank you for joining us on our month-long trip down memory lane. There is something about the holidays that brings out the sentimental in me.
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my sixth email home (6/7/2018)
Our Ohio social worker texted me a few hours ago. Ohio has approved Luke as a resident, and now we are fully cleared to leave California! Luke and I will be flying home Saturday afternoon (6/9/18)!
I have to admit, I am super nervous about flying across country alone with a newborn. All the details about returning the rental car, taking the shuttle to the airport terminal, navigating security, and managing an 11-day old infant on two planes (layover in Salt Lake City) is scary as heck. But God continues to provide me reassurance…
For example, our friends have family out here who are “overjoyed” to meet me at the airport Saturday and help handle the rental car, luggage, a stroller, and Luke. That is a huge weight off my heart.
Mrs. Branch – another sparrow
I called the airline directly to make the flight reservation and ask plenty of questions. The representative introduced herself as “Mrs. Branch” (another sparrow reference) She was incredibly kind and patient. Turns out Mrs. Branch and I are exactly the same forty-something ages with 19-year-old daughters, 16-year-old sons and very young babies. Not only was she able to book my seat and answer all my questions (essentially her job), but she also gave me a very encouraging pep talk about flying with a baby and about bringing a newborn into our family dynamic (definitely not her job).
Did you know, for example, that TSA will open one of Luke’s formula bottles to test the contents before they allow us to pass the security checkpoint? Even thought the bottles are small (2oz each), factory sealed and labeled. I never would have known that, so I will pack extras. I told Mrs. Branch the only explosive thing about Luke’s formula is in his diapers afterward. She laughed, but I think I’ll keep my goofy sense of humor to myself with the TSA agents on Saturday.
We are in the final stretch folks! I cannot wait to be home. Please keep the prayers for peaceful sleep and a peaceful mind/heart coming!
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my final email from home (6/10/2018)
We safely landed at CVG Saturday night at 10:20pm and are now home and doing fine. I will send a picture of us as a family as soon as I can corral all three of my children plus Allan and myself in the same spot – AND I have showered and slept more than a few hours in a row.
keeping my promise
Luke and I celebrated our last night in California with a quick trip to In-N-Out Burger. I had promised Nadine that I would take Luke for some fine California “cuisine” before we left the State. She laughed at the picture I texted to her and confirmed that I had made a good choice in restaurants. I also wanted her to know I keep my promises. That’s key in any relationship.
tears at two airports
Our friends’ cousin – Cathy – took great care of us getting from the rental car to the Delta terminal and then to the security checkpoint. Her genuine kindness will never be forgotten. I was so emotional leaving California and getting on a plane with Luke, and she just cried right along with me! She was a definite blessing to us on a happy, sad and scary day.
Luke had his own little boarding pass for both flights. Traveling solo with an 11-day-old baby was one of the craziest things I’ve ever done. However, the right people showed up at the right time to help me – God made sure. When I am more rested, I can’t wait to tell you about the cookie-eating truck driver seated next to me to Salt Lake City (published January 5, 2020).
Luke is already a well-loved little boy here. Having part of our family at the airport was such a welcome sight! He has already met an aunt, an uncle and one cousin. Big sister, Hannah, fed Luke before we got in the car to drive home, too. Welcome to the family, kid!
There is much more to tell, and I am looking forward to seeing you in person sometime this summer. Unless you live in another state, in which case, it may be a while. No more airports for me for a long, long, time.
you prayed us home
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for all of your encouragement and support during our adventure. It is crazy to think we didn’t even know Luke existed two weeks ago! Your love and your prayers were felt all the way across the country – I sincerely mean that. When I was at my low points of fatigue or fear, I was able to take great peace in knowing that our army was covering us in prayer. You prayed us home and you will always be an important part of Luke’s adoption story.
With much love, Melissa
Join the thankful bee in 2020 as we move forward with more encouraging hope, joy and humor. Our next story will publish on New Years Day and will toast a different aspect of our crazy life – “I Don’t Make New Year Resolutions Because They Stink“.
Image by Lars_Nissen_Photoart from Pixabay.
