Many of you know we are foster parents. As such, we have had the joy to care for 3 boys over the past 2+ years. One (Aiden) we’re adopting on Monday, one came for just a few weeks (the first of his life) and then went to live with his grandparents, while the third, with us for now, is scheduled to leave in late April. His name is Logan.
Logan came to us at 2-days-old, back in August of 2010. He turns 8 months old on April 8, 2011. It has been a wonderful time caring for this precious baby boy. He is a delight to our souls and a beautiful part of our family. Yet he will be going home to live with his birth parents (the State’s goal for every foster child) toward the end of April.
There is a great, deep ache in my heart as we prepare to experience his departure. In private moments, tears fall in great, heaving sobs as I am gripped by the pain of his going. I tell people he is just starting to get fun. He now sits up on his own, is eating solid food more and more, and is becoming more aware of his tiny life and the great big world.
He is our Parting Gift… a sweet treasure we have beheld for a season of life. I find that I can deny neither fact, that he is both a gift and is parting. I wish I could stop the parting, but I have been so blessed in the giving. I have no anger that he goes, but it is a heavy hurt. Every moment now is more special than the last as the time draws near for him to leave.
God gives so richly to us and has allowed us to be part of Logan’s life at the point where Logan (and his family) needed us the most. And God takes away, too. He is the business of being both Good and Sovereign. And just like we tell our own son that the world does not revolve around him, God’s Spirit comforts me in the same truth. God’s kindness to allow us to kiss and hold Logan for these past months is something that should draw us nearer to Him.
The world disappears when Logan smiles, because he smiles with his whole person. I am enveloped in that smile, in his belly laugh, in his breathing when he sleeps. God has captivated my heart with this baby boy. I will miss him greatly.
Many of you will miss him, too, I know. We are not the only ones to have gained from his presence in our lives. Thank you for loving him right alongside us! Your love for him is love for us, and we treasure the support and comfort of friends and family. You are a treasure to us!
Here are some photos that simultaneously bring me joy and pain.
Oh no you don’t! That MY hand, Mommy!
Oh, those pictures made me smile through tears.
I wish he was a keeper- but I’m satisfied knowing he is God’s baby first and foremost and well- that is a comfort.
I love the way he holds your face in his hands and looks deep into your eyes. I love his transforming smile. I love the way he shouts out a cry. I love him.
Dear Voller family,
I know that we will all miss Logan and that we’ll all pray for him and you too. I’ll be praying that God will watch over him and that God will comfort your whole family. We love your family sooo much!
Love,
Emma
I never met Logan but I kept up with your journey alongside of his on facebook. My heart is heavy and I weep openly with you. You both made a wonderful difference in this little ones life. God will bless you both. I know we are all gifts from God to one another and I also know that God giveth and God can take it away. But as a wife, mom and grand mom to be honest it hurts deeply when that happens. I know that God has a reason for everything He does and I also know that even though He allows Logan to go, He weeps with us. We are praying for your family and Logan, but most of all know we love you.
Love Rosemary and Bill