Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Love Letters

During the latter part of our dating "career" N was at home in New Brunswick, Canada and I in Ethiopia. Long before mobile phones and internet hit the rural areas of Ethio, N and I were snail mailing it (Seriously, I still find it strange to be in a taxi with an Ethiopian grandma and her chickens, only to hear her mobile ring and her answer with a "a bait"). I have boxes and boxes of letters that we sent to each other during that time. Some are funny, some are depressing, and all speak of our love for each other and our longing to be together again (ok, you can stop reading if you are grossed out!). I often miss sending those kinds of letters to each other. Now we text message, facebook and e-mail and as of late, leave post-its on the mirror for each other. Those are all good and fine, but there is something about the written word that just feels very intimate.

Tonight we are tasked with our most important love letter. We have until tomorrow at 3:00pm to come up with a letter and photo for Y. We aren't so good with the picture taking, but our friend took the above photo last week and it is good enough! I'm not sure what one says to a three year old who has had her life turned upside down in the last few months with our comings and goings and her move to a new place. Of course we will tell her that we love her and miss her, but what does that mean to a three year old who can only see us through a picture?

We are longing for the time when we are together and we can care for her. And we can love her forever. And we can be her family in a real and tangible way.

11 comments:

one + one said...

Great pic! You will find the words....

Just leave out the cold Chicago winters and do mention the endless supplies of mangos. :)

Oh... and that EVERYONE is excited for her to join your family.

Hugs and kisses from Aunt B.

Rebecca said...

The previous comment is making me laugh. I love this picture. It makes me want to come live with you!
I don't know how you write that letter, but you do. Because you get to say so many on the wonderful things that you've been wanting to say for so long, even if it's condensed into language she can understand. It's from your heart to your heart.
I think the love in your eyes and the smiles on your faces will be so welcoming and comforting.

Unknown said...

That's a great picture, and I'm sure you guys will find just the right words to say in your letter.

Colleen and JF Bertrand said...

I love that picture! you two are adorable! I have every faith that your letter will be wonderful!

Tanya said...

Such a wonderful picture! I am so excited to see the 3 of you soon!

Heidi said...

Such a sweet post! Good luck with the letter - I'm sure you will find the right words :-) Hoping for a very speedy court date!!!

MMG said...

I'm with everyone else. The words will come. Or, they already have as it's after 3 p.m. today! I can't reiterate enough how excited I am for you and Nate.

Maribeth said...

Crossing fingers and hoping for a court date soon. It was great to see you guys last week. Hope the car survived to Midway!

Kristy -Mom To 9 Blessings said...

We also just sent our letter to our three introducing us to them as their new family. WOW! It is HARD! Such great news for you and a great photo of you two also! I'm looking forward to hearing about a court date!
Blessings,
Kristy

los cazadores said...

This is beautiful, you're right there is not much like the written letter. It takes some elbow grease, some desire and pointed thought to write a letter; its special.

Y's letter will be special.

This photo of you guys is drop-dead gorgeous.

Come on court date.

Cindy

Cloverland Farm said...

good luck with that heartfelt letter!!! and thank you for your kind words! :)