Maria Sue

Well, it was one week ago today that unspeakable tragedy struck our friends, the Chapman family. Little Maria Sue went to be with Jesus in heaven. Though we celebrate where she is, we all grieve alongside the Chapmans with their loss. This family has meant so much to us personally, and if it weren't for them, we would not be joining them in this "Great Adventure" called adoption. They, as you can read in "The Story of Macy", inspired, nudged, prayed for, sent "hints" in the mail, encouraged, challenged, and talked and talked and talked to us about adoption way back when. Mary Beth used to tell me that she was my "burning bush!" All throughout the process of bringing Shaoey, Stevey Joy, and Maria home, they continually assured us that "we were next." Even when we were flooded with doubt, they stood by us in faith, knowing that God was working on our hearts getting us ready to "Dive" in.

Today, I remember little Maria Sue and Stevey Joy hiding behind the draperies in my living room, and then walking way out from the wall with them still over their heads, just giggling and giggling because they thought that since they couldn't see us, we couldn't see them...nevermind that my draperies were now nearly horizontal across the room! I remember Maria banging on my piano with her chocolate-covered-fingers...chocolate and coke that I'd snuck and given her when Mary Beth wasn't looking ;o)........Before last week, I would have kept that little secret, but as Steven said in Maria's memorial service, if your kids want to eat butter, give 'em the whole stick because we don't know how long we have them with us. Amen to that.

I loved that sweet little cherub face. We will miss her, but she'll never be forgotten. And one day, we'll all be reunited in heaven because of the faith we share in the One true God--the God who adopted us all into His forever family.

In love, God predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will.
–Ephesians 1:5