Happy Birthday, Rai!

Six years ago today, a little boy was born weighing just over 2 pounds and was rushed to a hospital where he would remain for 6 weeks.  During that time, his birth mother made one of the most difficult decisions only she could make.  She made the decision to make an adoption plan for this little boy to ensure he would be matched with a family who could give him a future she could not.  I've never had an opportunity to meet this incredible woman who gave birth to such a wonderful boy, but my heart breaks every November 23rd as I think about the sacrifice she made.  No matter how much I miss Rai when he goes to his dad's house, nothing will ever compare to only seeing him grow up through letters, pictures, and the occasional video.  I can only hope that one day Rai will be able to call her or meet her in person, so they can both develop a closer bond.

During Rai's wait for a new family, Rai was loved and welcomed by the most wonderful people I have ever met, his foster mother (Omma) and foster father (Appa).  Although most foster mothers only have a single meeting with a new family until the heart-wrenching hand-off from foster family to adoptive family, Rai's Omma spent so much time with us and showed me, as a first time mom, everything she could that Rai bonded with us while we were still in Korea.  I have never met a more incredible woman with so much energy and love, and I have never met such a kind man.  Even Rai's foster sister keeps up with him on Facebook and keeps us posted on her parents.

As we celebrate Rai's 6th birthday today, I am both happy to see this little man grow up and sad that Rai's birth mother and foster family cannot be here to celebrate with us.  This year, I didn't get to send any packages to either family, and I'm devastated that the packages won't arrive until the end of the year.  I can only hope that these pictures will hold everyone over until we can send something to keep as a token of our appreciation.

Thank you to Rai's birthmother, Omma, Appa, and his entire foster family for sharing Rai's life with us.

Happy 6th Birthday, Rai!

Here are a few of my favorites over the years...