Our journey to adopting was probably not much different than any other couple’s.  However, it was not something I wanted to do initially.  Having two teenage boys and being forty-eight years of age were big obstacles for me.  My biggest fear was that I would not be able to love a child that was not mine biologically.

I found myself in terrible mental and moral anguish over this life changing decision.  But my wife Wendy, whom I love dearly, wanted to adopt.  Wendy was never able to have children and it was something her heart desired.

So, I sought counsel in the one person in this world whom I knew would guide me with truth and love – my mom.  I explained to her that I was unsure about adopting a child because I may not be able to love the child like my own.  My mother's answer was simple: “George, you can love the child and you will love the child” . . .

On October the 28, 2003, along with 10 other families, we waited at the Grand Sun City Hotel in Changsha, China for the miracle to begin.  The elevator door opened on the 19th floor and one by one the babies were introduced to their parents.  I can’t describe the feelings that rushed through me when our miracle arrived. I squeezed my wife’s arm and said, “Honey there’s Molly!” 

Molly’s first two days with us were very scary. Molly was sick and not adjusting well. She would only allow me to hold her, much to the distress of my wife.  We had to take Molly to the Children’s Hospital in Changsha for shots and medicine.  We were wondering if we were doing the right thing for Molly.  I was trying to be strong, but I was scared for all of us.  Molly slowly became use to us as the days went on.

At 2 a.m. on November 2, the phone rang in our hotel room.  On the other end was my brother-in-law from Minnesota. His first words were, “George I’m so sorry.  Your mother died this morning.”  I spent the rest of the night sitting on the floor of our bathroom.  In the morning, still in shock, I came out only to see Molly sitting up in her crib smiling.  I knew I would be OK.

Today, Molly is a beautiful, healthy, loving little girl.  I truly believe that night in November, Molly’s grandmother’s spirit passed through her and lives in her today.  She has managed swiftly to warm her way into everyone’s hearts.  We adore her and are grateful for the journey called “Adoption.”

Learn more about adoption from China