National Adoption Month - In Sweet Memory of Baby Judah

All my life, my parents loved to share mine and my sister's adoption stories with anyone who would listen. Even as our mom was nearing the end of her life, she loved to tell everyone around, "I had to buy my two girls."

Because she had dementia, she told our stories to the same people over and over, but I didn't care. I never stopped her. I just let her grin and tell as I swelled with pride of belonging and being deeply loved by the wonderful parents God chose for us.

I love to hear other adoptee stories. With every adopted child I meet, I feel a strong connection. Each story is unique and filled with great anticipation and intrigue. From open adoptions to closed adoptions, every story is worth telling again and again.




One of those precious stories belongs to Judah Kelly and his forever family, Scott, Mandy, Becca, Jared and Lizzie. Ten months ago, baby boy Judah brought long awaited joy and light into this sweet, loving, blended family of five. (Blended because three children and their dad were left behind when their mother passed away from cancer, and later the dad would remarry.) Their new mom, Mandy, adored her instant family, but longed to experience a newborn to hold and love as well. After several heartbreaks when adoptions fell through, Baby Judah came home to his new family. Soon after, my daughter had the privilege of photographing Judah, and I got to tag along.

The Kelly family was ecstatic over this little guy and how the Lord had granted their heart's desire with the honor of being his parents and siblings. He was the precious piece God created to make their family complete.

Then, on Tuesday, March 20, 2017 around 1:00 am, baby Judah, along with his nine-year-old sister, Lizzie, and his parents, Scott and Mandy, were gently escorted into the Father's presence as a devastating house fire took their lives, leaving behind his older brother and older sister.

For 10 short months, baby Judah brought the sweetest of smiles, deep belly laughter, and even deeper joy to his forever family. His forever family gave him the gift of family, unconditional love and so much more. I remember the smile on his mother's face as she held him the night Scott was ordained as a deacon, and how it was so contagious you couldn't help but smile back through tears.

Today is my 55th adopted day, and I choose to celebrate it by remembering Judah, my newest, littlest adopted friend:

Through tears today, we remember you, precious baby boy, along with your parents and sweet sister, Lizzie. We celebrate your life and the impact your family had on so many people, especially those in our church family. Many prayers were lifted on your behalf even before we met you.

We celebrate your entrance into heaven where only the fullness of joy exists. Knowing you're there though, doesn't mean we won't grieve hard for you. But, because of Christ, we are not without hope. We are clinging to the One we trust to do what's best to bring Himself the most glory and us a greater good. 

Your family hurts, but God will heal. Oceans of tears will continue to fall, but Jesus will catch every one of them. Many already miss holding and rocking you, but God's gentle arms will hold them tight and rock them, too. 

You have arrived at your final home, little one, with your Heavenly Father who has, and is adopting, a much larger Forever Family. He created you, loves you beyond compare, and chose to tell His story powerfully through a brief chapter - yours.

Until we see you again...
Hug Jesus for me! 

My Pleasure,

Melanie

Photography credits: Madison Shull Photograph (Facebook)