Remembering Samael ~ May 17th

Our family, along with our church family, grieved over the week as we dwelt on the sudden loss of  Samael Hernandez. His funeral service came together quickly, and we were honoured to attend such an event to remember the life that he lived for Christ and shared with so many. The church was full of  loved ones from diverse backgrounds as he had a gift in crossing cultures easily, be it his Guatemalan friends and  family, his friends and baseball teammates of North Delta, or recent church family from Surrey Chinese Baptist. A more beautiful service I've never attended, which will bring comfort in the difficult days ahead for his family. This video that I came across during the week brought me much comfort as well, although it is also painful in imagining the way in which Samael passed away. But in that tragedy, I truly believe that he was never alone for a moment. Jesus is always with us. Such an amazing reality, what hope we have in Christ. Please continue to pray for the Hernandez family. The greatest tribute we could give Samael is to live the way he did; generously, lovingly and pointing the way to our Savior. 

The Rest of Mother's Day ~ May 12th

My last post about Mother's day was very sad, I know. There were some other parts of the day that were sweet and worth recalling, even if I was at work during most of it. :) Scott was good to me in the morning by preparing a french toast breakfast, doing his part to influence his boys to treat their future wives well. (James slept in...)

At church, we attempted a family photo which Nora just wouldn't cooperate for. The irony... the boys finally smile, but she won't. Lewis stayed home sick, so for another year, we are once again incomplete for the yearly event. Oh well... we won't be framing this one!!

Scott later took his parents out for Chinese food at the Rickshaw. Everyone was surprised that the landmark restaurant on the Whalley strip was no longer there... turns out it has downsized and is across the street in an even "sketchier" area. (As Charles would say...) Food is still good though.

Dessert back at Nana and Papa's

Nora loves being with her family.

A sometimes worn-out Dad, Nora has no idea. Her
 spontaneous whispering of "I love you" keep us going.

Nana enjoys her collection of little gifts, which I believe Nora
was telling her what they were before being unwrapped fully.

A Sad Mother's Day ~ May 13th

Friday evening, our church family was devastated to hear the tragic news that the young man who had drowned at Golden Ears Provincial Park that day was beautiful 19-year-old Samael, whom the boys have known from youth group when he had attended years prior. His younger sister Margarita is a good friend to the boys as well. We had attended Margarita's 15th birthday occasion in October, where Sam had escorted her into the auditorium and then blessed us all with singing several worship songs on guitar for her. Those are priceless memories now. Margarita attended church Sunday morning, so brave and full of faith in knowing that her brother is singing now in heaven in front of our Savior, whom he has always praised. It was so hard to celebrate Mother's Day knowing that Lorena had lost her son this weekend, and will long for his presence now the rest of her life. Despite the irritation of working evening shift for Saturday and Sunday, missing out on my own time with the kids, suddenly it was enough to know that they were all still alive. To dwell on the reality that God holds each of us in His hands, and that we will never know when the last time will be that we will say "Good night", and "I love you." We continue to pray for the Hernandez family, and will be attending Sam's funeral on Friday.

Sam, forever remembered as the loving brother and son that he was.

Scott took some photos of Nora and I on my request after church, to celebrate our third Mother's Day together. (Which I now realize was on the 12th...) Even as I write this with tears in my eyes as I remember Sam, Nora is asking me why there is water on my face. Suddenly she has a Kleenex and is wiping my eyes, rubbing my arm and saying that "It will be alright, Mommy". Yes, it will be alright but not for a long time... Nora isn't quite getting the concept of death right now as I try to explain. Her innocent answer... that Sam needed to have a boat. If only it were that simple. We will trust God in His wisdom, praying for his overwhelming comfort and presence right now to Margarita's family.

You would never know the fights we had earlier in the morning...
Nora has a classic short-term memory!

 I don't deserve all the love that this fiercely tempered little girl has
 for me, but I am thankful for it all the same. Makes up for all the fights
 we have... she's just not a morning-person!

Here's one for a laugh... I took this while Nora slept.
 The boys were babysitting her,so I was surprised to see this when I checked
 on her later. At least they're trying to take care of her!

Spring Moments with Auntie Darlene ~ April 25th

These photos are back from when Charles was having his graduation speech event at the school. Auntie Darlene and Uncle Edward were so kind to have Nora over for the evening so we could enjoy ourselves. And of course, Nora had a much better time anyway, trying all kinds of things that Mommy just doesn't think to do. (Not to mention the state of my garden, it's a disaster!) We like to joke that Nora behaves for Darlene's family the complete opposite of how she is for us. Don't get me wrong, we see the sweetness and smiles too, but Nora is a complete angel when she's with Darlene... never any melt-downs. I guess it's because we're her parents... how true, how funny. (NOT!... Oh well.)

Nora takes her responsibility very seriously.

And it's off to the park...

Trevor is a good sport.

I don't think Nora pushed Trevor too far...

Thanks Darlene, you make every day so much fun!

Charles' Celebration Evening ~ April 25th

Last night was a much anticipated event, as our family attended the boys' high school to hear groups of students present their graduation speeches. (Many thanks to Auntie Darlene for babysitting Nora!) This time was for Charles, not too long after James did this last April. Charles' speech was well done, with a lot of references to childhood memories, and how he used to be a "Mommy's boy". I hope he always will be in some shape or form... :)

Charles' frequent strategy of going first allowed him
to relax after to hear the rest of his classmates. 

He's gathered many friends over the past 13 years at SCS.

Add in a couple of favourite teachers...

...and some great desserts, and you have a lovely evening out.

Long-time friends Myron and Jonathan... we joked that they'd
need to present their speeches for us later at home. :)

Proud grandparents... glad they could make it out. :)

We managed to get some family photos
 with the bribe of car keys afterwards.

Childhood and school days go so quickly, this graduation stuff is a bit overwhelming
at times. Glad Thomas won't be for 3 years after this! 

Love it! They didn't... embarrassing comments from peers but it's a keeper. :)

Charles' graduation photos, taken in February, recently arrived and will eventually make their way onto the wall. Don't want him to think it's a done deal yet ~ Enjoy, and please keep this guy in your prayers as we work through what the next step may be for him. Thank you!

This doesn't seem so long ago...

Taekwondo Testing ~ April 24th

One of the areas I have been very neglectful of since Nora has joined our family has been attending taekwondo classes and testings to watch the younger boys participate. As you can imagine, having Nora sit still there on a tippy, plastic chair is just tortuous. However, with Lewis having a black belt testing it was time to attend. With a bag full of activities and books, I braced myself for Nora and I to get through it...  all 105 minutes. Thankfully, a teen from school sat beside us and helped entertain Nora for a good 40 minutes... I should really send her a gift card or something! :) Lewis and Thomas did well, until the board-breaking. Unable to break his boards after 3 attempts, Lewis did not pass and will need to test another time. It happens to everyone somewhere along the journey. He took it in stride, and we're proud of him just the same. But, I don't know if I can promise to sit through another testing this year! :) (Better find childcare...)

Waiting to spar.... one day I'll get the videos up as they're much more exciting. :)

With Charles' return to taekwondo this year, he's very helpful with the students.

Scott takes on the intimidating role of judge.

 The very large testing group...

 Lewis, still smiling.

 And just before closing comments, Nora broke free to "Daddy!"
and I was able to take a deep breath. :) Now everyone around me
 knows who that restless child belongs to and won't say anything to Master Karpiuk!!

Connecting with friends, Connecting the dots ~ Apr. 18-23rd

There's no denying that I've been working more than I want to. (Case in point, not much to blog about.) But somehow life goes on, and I manage to make it to most field trips and see our friends, just often all at once. This past week was one of those weeks where we just tried to squish it all in. The best part is forgetting the work hours, and having these kinds of memories that stick. Although, Nora's preschool trip to the Honeybee Centre wasn't a yearly highlight unless you enjoy being in a hot, claustrophobic room with too many 3 year olds and their parents, while the employee tries to get the children to repeat the names of the bee's anatomy like "thorax" and "abdomen". (And she couldn't quite understand why the kids weren't really paying attention...) Nora was particularly clingy and "flashing" people by lifting her top up, but eventually she took a turn at extracting honey from the barrel.

Given a honey stick, she finally smiles.

Last in line, Nora eventually tries.

In the insect room, Nora is hesitant about what she might find in the cage.

Next year, we'll be sure to take a rain-check on that visit, and just go buy honey there sometime in the summer when we need an outing on our own. :) A much more relaxing time was visiting with Julie and Anna on Monday, especially with Julie bringing lunch for us... she's awesome! My sister Ann called, so we both enjoyed talking with her about her recent milestone birthday. Nora and I will see her in Winnipeg in late May, and now Julie and a friend will travel there in the summer. Who knew Winnipeg would become such a popular travel destination?! Book your trip now...

Anna loves to play with Nora's kitchen and food. They share pretty well...

...at least most of the time!

Sharing real food together is a much easier concept.

At 28 pounds each, this is no easy feat! 

Nora initiates a hug without warning... almost like a choke hold. :)

Anna does what we all want to ~ try to get Nora's hair out of her eyes.

Our two little sweethearts, our China sisters.

They are bound to have some good times ahead.

Next day, we were off for a visit to Megumi's after preschool for a yummy pizza lunch.The girls played very well together, with painting being a popular activity.

 

With Megumi expecting her next child in the next 2 months, Nora has figured out that babies grow in Mommies' tummies. (Her preschool teacher recently leaving on maternity leave first introduced this concept as well.) We've had a few brief conversations about that, with her conclusion that she grew in my tummy, too. With much trepidation, I've gently had to say that actually she didn't, that she was in her China Mommy's tummy. Along those lines goes the discussion about her brothers growing in my "tummy" while she did not. It's a little heart-breaking to have to introduce these ideas, but I must be honest and teach her story to her, rather than someone else in a possibly unkind way. I may have posted this poem before, but it reminds me that one of my tasks as an adoptive mother is to honourably teach Nora about her birth mother, despite the lack of information, of how her world may have been when she had to possibly make one of the hardest choices of her life.

Dream of You

Today I'm sitting at the spot
I call our secret place
With eyes closed tight I dream of you
The tears stream down my face

I left you here a year ago
It was to my despair
The emptiness within me
Is more than I can bear

Where are you today my darling?
Where are you today my dear?
A part of me is missing
I wish you still were here

Are you perhaps in China
Maybe right down the street
Sometimes I walk right by that place
In hopes our eyes will meet

I left you here my daughter
I left you in this place
Each time I close my eyes at night
My dreams fill with your face

I will always love you
I will always care
Even though I left you here
My dreams are yours to share

Please forgive me little one
There was no other choice
When you close your eyes at night
Your heartbeat is my voice.

Tom Fisher  (c) September 16, 2004