A Tearful Farewell To TMS

After three wonderful years, we had to say a tearful goodbye today to Tuckahoe Montessori School. It is so fitting that Christian was comforted by his teacher, as he and his classmates marched out. Calling "Miss Shelly" a teacher simply doesn't suffice. She has been such an important part of our son's life and has given him the most precious gift -- a love of learning.

It was an especially emotional day as we bid farewell to a remarkable woman. "Miss Pat" is retiring 28 years after founding this wonderful school, the mission of which is to educate the "whole child." I learned much from her during many long conversations about education, and her devout Roman Catholic faith. I've been enriched by coming to understand how truly Catholic and liturgical a Montessori education is, to reflect the order of God's creation.

Miss Pat has brought great glory to God during a professional career devoted to education. She has been such a blessing to our family. How we will miss her!

I've never seen a more tradition-rich city than Richmond and it is not surprising that Miss Pat's daughter Amanda will take over as Director. It is institutions like TMS that make this a great city, and it is good to know that it is in such excellent hands.

Christian with buddies Caleb and Anton - the "Pups" as Christian calls them.

Sometimes you come across people who you just know are doing what they've been called in life to do and such is the case with Miss Shelly. For three year's, one of the constant refrains in our home has been "Miss Shelly said......" Christian has adored this woman from day one, and after three amazing years, it is so hard to say goodbye. She has made an impact on our family that will last forever, both inside the classroom and out.

We love you Miss Shelly and will miss you greatly!

Breakthrough!

This is one of the happiest boys in America!

It has been such a joy to watch Christian conquer his fears of riding his bike. He's still on training wheels, but up until last week, he would not even sit on the seat. This is one of those truly unforgettable, sweet moments as a parent. I think Dana and I are just as thrilled as he is!

Happy Birthday Christian Peter!

Today our beautiful son is six years old. Christian Peter came into our lives five years ago, when he was adopted from a small town outside Moscow, Russia. The joy that our "little man" has brought into our lives is beyond description. He is truly the funniest child I've ever seen and he never ceases to amaze us with his relentless curiousity and love of learning.

Each year on his birthday, I always pray for and give thanks to God for the woman who chose to give him life. I wish I could let her know how grateful we are, and I pray that God will pour his love and mercy out on her.

Not only have we had the privilege of being Christian's parents, it was the gift of his adoption that has transformed the way we see our lives.

Today we know that we are an adoptive family because this is what God has intended for us all along. Christian knows he is a beloved child of God and he has a wonderful way of demonstrating that love to all the special people in his life, such as "Papa Herb."

About A Boy

The miracle of adoption began for us in Krasnogorsk, Russia on October 7, 2002 - the day that has forever changed our lives.

As any couple knows that discovers they can't have biological children, it is a soul-numbing, crushing blow, made even worse by the fact that outside of close family and friends, you mostly suffer in silence (especially for the wife). No days off for bereavement and no sympathy from those who don't know what you're going through. This isn't something you want to announce. We grieved for many months before even thinking about adoption. Truthfully, it seemed like a poor consolation at the time. Both of us grew weary of people offering advice like , "there's always adoption!" They were always well intentioned, but it didn't help. Finally, when we began to look into adoption, we got the fever and quickly got excited about it.

Once we settled on Russia and found an agency we loved (Catholic Social Services of North Carolina), it took exactly nine months for us to become parents to this amazing little boy! The spirit he shows in the shot with Dana immediately captured my heart. The second I laid my eyes on him, I knew that he was my son.

But even more powerful was the awareness of something much greater. That this was what God had planned for us all along. We had only been in the room for a couple of minutes when our adoption worker asked, "So, do you like the boy?" Without hesitating I said, "I love him....this is my son....we'll take him!" When we returned to our hotel room in Moscow that night, we cried tears of indescribable joy.

There was never a doubt then or since. We can both say honestly that we are actually grateful for our inability to have biological children. There is simply no way a child could be more loved by his mommy and daddy, not to mention grandparents, aunt and uncles, and beloved friends throughout Virginia.

Christian Peter (or CP as he prefers) is a child full of wonder who loves to laugh and make others laugh. When we lived in Alexandria, he could make even the most hardened Metro rider smile. He's been surrounded by people of many cultures and languages, and has taken his Montessori education to heart by showing great enthusiasm for geography, art, and the natural world.

With all the excitement of this week's countdown to our long awaited departure, Dana and I have reflected on the incredible blessing of the past four and a half years with our son. He is a precious gift, and I give thanks to God daily for the way our little boy has changed every aspect of our lives.

Now, once again, everything is about to change and we know that what we're doing won't be easy. But our pastor is always reminding us that "the gospel should change everything," and that it should "compel us to take risks."

Lord, have mercy.