adoption

Hogan's Hope - the Book

October is here and with it brings memories of the day we were able to #adopt #Hogan into our family and bring him from the humane society to his #forever home.  He was so thin and timid and my heart ached with the knowledge that he must have been hungry much too often.   As he and I rode together he watched every passing car and truck with great interest and curiosity.  Being a rainy day his head moved back and forth in rhythm with the windshield wipers; and I remember that it brought a big smile to my face.  From time to time a large truck would pass by sending a pounding spray of water against the passenger's side window causing him to duck down into the seat.  I reached over to gently reassure him and wondered how many times he had traveled in a car.

As work on his book, Hogan's Hope, continues I am often asked why do I want to write and publish his story.  The response seems quite evident to me but I must keep in mind that many people do not know the obstacles that a #deaf #dog encounters.  I want people to know that when deaf dogs are often destroyed, mistreated, or abandoned, Hogan’s Hope tells the tale of a legendary deaf canine hero who went from hardship to success.  He went from abandonment to a life of being accepted, believed in, and loved so very much.   I also want folks to realize that, no matter what challenge, handicap, or disability we face, there is always hope.  There is always the real possibility of our dreams coming true and #Hogan provides great inspiration.  And, perhaps most importantly, there is always the chance for genuine love and acceptance.

“'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

 

 

Adoption

It's September 30th, the last day of the month.  Wow!  The weeks flew by and autumn has officially begun.  The leaves are beginning to turn their shades of fall colors and the little creatures are seen in my front yard gathering food in the pouches of their cheeks to store for the winter months. 

Not only is today the last day of the month, but it is also the last day of the work week.  And, l must admit to you that it has been an extremely full and eventful week at that!  Monday, I spent a productive afternoon with our amazing editor.  Tuesday, a very dear high school friend came from Pennsylvania to visit for the day.  Wednesday, our grandson's, Aidan, #adoption was finalized!!  Yay!  Thursday, my birth daughter, Heather, was adopted by my terrific husband, Jim, now legally her dad. (I had always dreamed of adopting or having a child with my remarkable husband.  Dreams do come true and we have a child together.  Of course, all our children are "ours" but Heather is now in all ways ours.)  Friday, I am recovering from the enormous excitement, activity, and emotional highs.

As I reflect over the course of the past five days, I am reminded that "In love He predestined us for adoptions as [children] through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace." (Ephesians 1:4-6)  We, all of us, are in some way adopted and we adopt others.  Whether through friendship or adding family members, we choose, we #adopt, the people who will be important in our lives.  Even our #pets of all shapes, sizes, and species are adopted into our families.  For this, I am eternally grateful.  Because of this, my family has been blessed and enriched beyond measure.

I encourage everyone to adopt, to gain the richness of love and acceptance.  Adding or rescuing only increases the love given and the love received.  What a gift - adoption.

Heather, Aidan Orlando (nine and a half months), Julius, and Ava Constance (3 year ).

Heather, Aidan Orlando (nine and a half months), Julius, and Ava Constance (3 year ).

Dad, Heather, and Mom!  (Aidan was zonked out from his celebration the day before and slept through this entire hearing!)  We are truly blessed.

Dad, Heather, and Mom!  (Aidan was zonked out from his celebration the day before and slept through this entire hearing!)  We are truly blessed.