My Baby Graci is growing up.

Graci is now 5! In the week leading up to her fifth birthday I was full of emotions I couldn't quite express.  I am so happy about the beautiful, sweet daughter of God she is growing up to be, but I couldn't help thinking back on the days when she was just a tiny little baby.  When she came home from the hospital our home was so overwhelmed with love for her; love that none of us knew existed.  She was such a surprise and such a blessing to our family that we all could feel the spirit just having her in our home.  I was full of gratitude to Heavenly Father for guiding her into our family and even still I sometimes sit back and watch her with utter amazement in my heart that she is my sister, for eternity. Not just an adopted sister, but my forever sister. I especially cherish the memories of singing to my sweet baby sister.  I feel that we have a special bond, whether or not she knows it, because of the spiritual guidance I received to help my parents find her. I know that they were also guided and I of course don't take full credit, but I feel that I was especially in tune with the Lord because he knew what was to come and I wanted so badly for a new sibling.  When nights were difficult and no one could get her to fall asleep, or even on regular nights when I just wanted to be there for my sister, I would cradle her in my arms, walk into the front room and sing to her. It never failed that to get her to sleep.  I still remember that year at Bear Lake.  I was in what was then the Smith's condo while my family was in the other side.  Mom came over looking exhausted and said she couldn't get Graci to sleep and could I please try so she could have a break.  I was so elated that my mom would ask me to get her to sleep. I took her in the bedroom, bundled her up in her blankets and my arms and began to sing. In as little as 15 minutes she was sound asleep. I have always felt such a connection and bond with Graci and I feel like those times were especially special for me because I alone was able to comfort her in that way.
As her birthday neared I decided to write a poem to express some of what I felt.  I hope that some day this poem might be used to help her understand a little more about her adoption and the joy she brought to me, and hear my side of the story of how she came to be in our family, where she is meant to be.

GRACI

Five years ago I was a teen, my priorities so blind,

The things that mattered most to me are now so far behind.

What I thought most important was happening day to day

Until my family decided that adoption was the way.

My mind was suddenly occupied; I couldn't help but think

of a new addition to the family, a baby in blue or pink.

Five years ago I realized that our lives would surely change,

A little one for so long missed would seem a little strange.

Then five years ago I was sitting at my job at Cherry Hill

When inspiration came to me, a voice so soft and still.

While thinking of a new sibling who would be coming in a while

Something whispered quietly and I couldn't help but smile.

So five years ago that night I went to talk with Mom and Dad,

A baby girl named Grace was all the info that I had.

They smiled at me and said, "OK" but they were still unsure,

But I couldn't be more certain as I walked out their door.

Five years ago things started rolling, all the paper work was done.

Our faith depended on the Lord to guide us to the one.

Then within a moment's notice that certain phone call finally came,

They said, "we think we found your baby" and all our feelings were the same.

Bottles, blankets, onesies and cute clothes for a little girl,

preparations done overnight, things were happening in a whirl.

Then mom and dad showed pictures to all the kids gathered around

of the birth mom and the baby that would soon be homeward bound.

Five years ago we packed up the van, the day was sunny and bright

With so much anticipations, the day's waiting would be our plight.

Mom said she hadn't slept all night deciding on a name,

Grace Christina-Marie Pearce was the thought that finally came.

On that day we met Christina, and tears came to our eyes

As we thanked her for the special gift that money never buys.

The gift of love she gave to us when she made up her mind,

To give her unborn baby more; A decision sweet and kind.

Five years ago we brought her home, this baby new and sweet.

Singing her to sleep each night for me was such a treat.

But now she's grown into a kid, a girl so big and tall

Dancing, painting, riding bikes, she wants to do it all.

So thinking back five years ago of the baby I once knew,

Brings back a little sadness; those first years are just so few.

But when I see this little girl I just can't help but smile,

So I'll be sure to enjoy her childhood years, they'll only last a while.

I'm so thankful for miss Graci because as anyone can see,

The crazy, goofy Pearce home is where she's meant to be.

Five years ago we were incomplete, we needed something more,

She adds so much love and laughter and there's only more in store.

I love you Graci!!