10.02.2008

To be loved by a child

Last week, Yordanos sauntered up to me while I was in the kitchen. She threw her arms around my waist, looked up at me and said "I love you, Mom." My heart grew 10 sizes as I hugged her back and said "I love you, too!"

That was the 1st time she said that to me. She'd said it back to me a couple of times, but never initiated it. (Habtamu has been saying it for several weeks, so it's a big coup for Yordi to say it.)

I think she and I have turned a good corner. I get fewer cold shoulders in church, and she's very lovey with me (for now... I know Lee's turn is coming!) I always get bedtime hugs and kisses now.

It's good to be loved by a child. I never really knew that before.

7 comments:

Susan said...

Awwww!!! Don't you wish you could just bottle that moment in time! What a blessing!

~Susan

Katherine said...

The "I love you's" and hugs make up for the bad times we have! You're doing a great job!

Anonymous said...

Well you'd never know it by the amt. of feedback you're getting from me, but catching up with the Gardner's is "must see TV" for me daily, crashed computers and "lost" address aside. If I miss a week or so I have to sit by the computer for hours to see what I've missed. As you know I'm seriously computerally challenged, not to mention a hunt and peck typer,so any communication is nothing short of miraculous! Though I constantly send prayers and good thoughts your way, today I just had to tell you what I've been thinking all this time. YOU ROCK!!!!!!! YOU ARE AMAZING, INSPIRING, INCREDIBLE, HILARIOUS, EXCEPTIONAL, WONDERFUL, LOVING, PATIENT AND DID I SAY AMAZING, PARENTS!!!!!!!!!!! And you must write a book(I mean a REAL book, not just a blog). Your life is a real page turner....love, loss, struggle, triumph, tears, laughter, disappointment, perseverance, drama, cops, well you get the picture. Hang in there. It will get easier. I'm proud to know two such gifted people! J and H are so blessed to have you for parents. Can't wait to meet them in person. Are you ready for travel? Thinking of you every day. Love, Helen and Bob

juliereyers said...

I second what the smart lady from MI said... :)
Kyla and Laney loved seeing the ABC song. They immediately set to coloring new pictures for their newest cousins. I'll actually send you some of them sometime, I promise. Cleveland is going great, I can't wait to catch up with you. Shipshewanna is halfway and they have a waterpark. Think about it...
We'll meet you halfway as soon as you are ready! Julie

ethiHOPEia said...

The rewards of being a Mom far outweigh all the tough times...even when you don't feel like it does!
Blessings,
Hilary

Jori said...

Oh, the love of a child! God is good! :):)
love, jori

Anonymous said...

You said it, Baby Girl!

Love, Mom