Gracias

I am, for once, at a loss for words when it comes to describing how it felt on Friday to finally complete Madelena's adoption - the US Readopt that ensures that when the US loses its collective mind and declares war on Guatemala or Latin America in general, my child will not be sent off on a boat, a train or a plane with other deportees who failed to jump through the 127 hurdles placed before them by the US Government. 

So I rely on this adoption blessing to replace the words that have so suddenly and most unexpectedly deserted me. 

I did not plant you, true.

But when the season is done —
when the alternate prayers for sun
and rain are counted —
When the pain of weeding
And pride of watching are through —
Then I will hold you high.
A shining sheaf
above the thousand
seeds grown wild.
Not my planting,
but by heaven my harvest —
My own child.

That's it. No snarkiness. No complaints about poo, late night bottle calls, hissy fits or vomiting. Just a heartfelt thank you to whatever universal spirit brought my baby home, born into my heart on June 10, 2006 and finally where she belongs - here, with us.