I’ve been a bit quiet this week. I wanted to immediately log on and share what’s been going on in our world. I also tempered myself knowing that there are still privacy concerns in all things. So, I’ve been a bit close lipped. I can say that recently a hearing was held with regard to the TPR appeal issued by a member of Honeybee’s family.
Scriptures have been posted everywhere
The appeal process and our experience of it has been sometimes quite disconcerting and, at times, alarmingly frightening. Still, we prayed.
We posted scripture, meditated on those Words, trusted God in His will and judgment, and prepared ourselves for whatever came our way.
The “whatever” that came our way was the judge ruling in favor of our petition to move forward with permanency and denying the appeal for termination of parental rights. We are so thankful. What this means now is we have to wait for a period of time while the opportunity for yet another appeal is provided. If that appeal does not come (and we are actively praying it does not), we will be allowed to complete the paperwork that will finally allow our daughter’s adoption to be finalized. In a few months, we hope to be introducing a beautiful family portrait of all family members.
It’s been a very long journey. It is wonderful to be able to see a little light at the end of the tunnel. Ms. Care recently stopped by for a visit and told me it would be her last supervisory visit before we sign the appropriate paperwork. Wow! That kind of caught me off guard. Ms. Care has been such an integral part of this journey from the very beginning. She has seen us from the first day Honeybee was placed in our arms and loved in our hearts. Now, we are approaching a time when the standard 30 day visits are no longer required, when calls asking for permission to take Honeybee out of the state won’t be a necessity. We’re approaching a time where we can share family photos with my family out of the state over email without any hindrance. I’m really looking forward to it.
BUT, I am also sobered thinking of her birth family. The updates are still going to continue and nothing will ever change that. But I know how it feels to want to know the other side of you, to know whom you look like, and what activities you share in common. Honeybee will always know who she is and where she comes from, but I do wonder how she will feel about her story.
One things is more than certain. I am so very thankful that God has seen fit for Honeybee to remain with us as her forever family and that we are allowed to love her and protect her as well as we are able. I will continue to pray for all parties involved. I know this is not an easy thing at all.
Our Honeybee remains happy at home. For that, we are grateful.
