I just love the Lord so much. I love how, when we least expect it, He sends a little blessing our way. Last night was one of those times for us.
My dear hubby left home at some ungodly hour yesterday morning to get a decent place in line to have a book signed by Sarah Palin. While I am definitely not into politics (most of the time I just don’t get it at all), I do have a huge amount of respect for this woman. Since the first time we saw her on TV, and heard her many interviews, we have loved what she stands for. Pro-life in the true sense of the word, a believer in family, and a woman after God’s own heart.
We loaded up the kids in ridiculously cold weather and drove about an hour away to where Mrs Palin would be signing books. While standing in line with hundreds and hundreds of others (we were able to get pretty near the front thanks to the wristband thingy Anthony got early in the morning), we got chatting to a security person who told us that “Mrs Palin signs the books really fast, so you’ll be lucky if you get a hello out of her.”
Okay then.
When we got inside the bookstore, the line moved quickly. We soon made it into the room where she was signing her book. The line continued to moved at a steady pace. We observed Mrs Palin–she greeted everyone with a smile, shook their hands and graciously answered a quick question here and there. A warm smile never left her face.
Finally we made it. It was our turn. All seven of us crowded around her table. She literally stopped everything, put her pen down, and asked each one of our children their names, their grades, and a little about themselves. When we told her that Haven did not speak, she asked why and wanted to know her story. The line had come to a sudden halt! She genuinely cared and just shook her head in disbelief as we briefly shared Haven’s sad story.
What followed next was so sweet. We mentioned to her that we were bringing home another little girl…one with down syndrome. Her face literally lit up.
Mrs Palin: “Really? You’re adopting a child with down syndrome next?”
She seemed genuinely touched. The concept of people adopting these children was obviously so foreign to her…as it may be to many, I guess. I forget about that time in my life when I was so unaware of special needs adoption.
Mrs Palin: “Thank you! Thank you so much for doing that.”
We know it is anything but amazing. But sitting in front of us was not only a celebrity politician…but a mother who chose to give life to her baby diagnosed with down syndrome in the womb. A mother parenting a child with special needs. A mother who understands.
Next thing we knew, she was calling her hubby over and telling him our little story and about Hailee. Mr Palin came and sat down and chatted a while. A very nice man. But that was not enough for Sarah Palin. “Oh, you just have to meet my son Trig, he’s here in the store with my parents”, she beamed. She signalled to her precious parents on the other side of the room and tells them to bring Trig over. She is clearly SO proud of her boy–chosen by the hand of the Father to be their son.
I’m sure onlookers must have been wondering what in the world was going on. Just a proud mama wanting to show off her precious angel, that’s all.
Oh my gosh–what a sweet little boy. My heart melted. He is completely adorable.
Anthony: “We pray for you all the time, Mrs Palin.” “We pray that you would be filled with the Spirit daily.”
Mrs Palin: Looking straight at us she said, “Yes! Yes and amen! I appreciate your prayers so very much. We are so thankful for them.”
She is so very gracious and warm.
We thanked her for her time, with which she was more than generous, and for allowing us to meet her family. She told us how grateful she was for people praying for her. We could see on her face that she meant every word she said. She so clearly loves the same God that we serve…with all her heart.
Mrs Palin thanked us for being “out there doing it, making a difference”. If only she knew what an honor and a privilege it truly is to bring home these precious children the Father entrusts to us. We would have life no other way.
Last night I got to see that Sarah Palin is the real deal. She loves God so much. The love of Jesus radiates from her. The love for her family is so very obvious. And her heart is genuinely broken for children with special needs. She truly is an amazing woman. We got a glimpse into her heart last night–her heart for special children who have needs. And it was a beautiful thing.
We moved out of the line to give others an opportunity to have their books signed. We headed over to Mrs Palin’s parents and were so blessed to be able to spend some time with them, and little Trig. They were so friendly and down to earth. Mrs Palin’s Dad shared with Connor about loving being a fifth grade teacher his entire life, while her mother showed such a genuine interest in our children, and our adoptions. One year old Trig sure kept grandma on her toes–he only wanted to be down on the ground running around. My heart melted at the thought of soon having our very own blessing with down syndrome. I can hardly wait.
We had such a blessed time.
If the Lord exalts Sarah Palin, I know, with all my heart, that families with special needs children WILL have a friend in the White House.
And for the first time since becoming an American citizen recently, I was so thankful that I now have the privilege of being able to vote!
Oh, and we got a book signed for our silent auction. So fabulous.
