J Cooper Photography

I’ve always been a “leaver-behinder”.  You know the type.  When I graduated from high school I didn’t look back.  I was excited to meet new friends and try out an entire new social setting.  I kept in touch with a few girls from my social circle.  Actually…let me clarify…they kept in touch with me.  Those gals were relentless {in a good kind of way}.  And when we ended up in Kansas City together a few years later I tried to shrink back into my own life.  If I could wish away one personality trait it would be my “leaver-behinder” ways.  A few years down the road it was time for the class president to plan our reunion but she had gone missing.  With the help and “gentle persistence” of my friends they lured me back and came along side me to aid in the planning.  Over the past few years I have come to realize how incredibly FORTUNATE and blessed I am to have persistent people in my life who love me despite my tendency to “disappear”.   And never before has the reality of COMMUNITY hit me so fiercly.

I grew up with the love and support of family.  I grew up with a history.  I grew up with friends who pursued me.

My job now as Daniel’s mom is to create that community for him.  Our family, our friends, our history has to become his.  And for once I think I can safely say I am shedding that unbecoming trait.  I’m NOT ready to move on.  I want my son to know these people…to be pursued relentlessly by these people…to be loved unconditionally.

We have begun to briefly introduce Daniel to some of the special people in our lives…Mimi and Baboo (they have already made an appearance here on the blog as of late), my sisters, my in-laws, and friends.  And there is something bitter sweet about creating this community for him.  I wish with all my heart that he came to us full.  But he didn’t…and now it is our privilege to fill him up.

So here are a few pictures of Daniel’s community.  His little village.  Daniel and his peeps

Daniel…you are loved by so many…too many to picture here tonight.  One of my biggest prayers for you is that you will always feel the love of this family!!