So here it is folks, my attempt at writing a blog and
putting our life out on public display!
Ever since I first met Jeff and began my relationship with
this wonderful man, friends have often told us that we should write a book. Now
this could either be something recognized as, “wow we are so cool, that our
friends think everyone should hear about us,” or (more or less), “we are so unusual
that everyone should see who we are!” I believe the latter to be more of the
drive behind the comment and encouragement. But all that to say, I kind of get
it.
Although, one would argue in defense, to their encouragement
to us being authors, the truth is, we are quite unique and we know that. Why do
we know that? Well let’s just start with some of the ridiculous comments we
have heard from the general public in reaction to meeting a man in a
wheelchair. Everything from the severely emphysemic women who was trying to
sell us a miracle vitamin that she swore would heal Jeff of quadriplegia, as if
it was a disease. To the women who’s assigned seat, on a flight to
Michigan, was next to us at the window. In mid-straddle over Jeff, she realized
she did not want this arrangement of having to climb over Jeff every time
needing to use the restroom. In response, she begins yelling out to her son in
the back of the plane and pointing at Jeff, in her attempt to switch seats, “He
can’t walk, he can’t walk.” No, no, not embarrassing at all! With my humor
I just lifted my arm and began to wave to the rest of the passengers, yes, yes,
it’s us he can’t walk, as if we were the winners of a random raffle drawing.
We get it, we stand out, and to tell you the truth, being an
only child, I don’t mind it a bit! From the beginning we knew we were going to
experience life differently then those around us and have experiences (like the
ones stated above) that do not compare to our friends. But we also see the flip
side, that each of these moments, are not typical, and through them God teaches
us to rely on him and each other more and more. The strength of our
relationship not only to each other, but to God does not always compare to the
average Joe. I feel blessed that some of the trials we are placed in are not
typical and we are brought closer to Jesus through them. That makes being
different, totally worth it.
Well speaking of being different, our journey in life
continues down the road of uniqueness. We have been married now for almost nine
years. We have been so blessed with friends all over the country who we love so
dearly. We have been so fortunate to have support in the areas of our life that
are not always easy, breezy. God is always there! Right when we are denying
ourselves of our uniqueness in our attempt to “fit-in” and be normal, God taps
us on the shoulder and gently reminds us, that is not the calling he has for
us.
We are excited to share with you, if you have not already
heard, the last gentle tap God placed on our shoulder, was the pressing on our
hearts to adopt. We have been trying for the past couple years to conceive naturally, but again, that may just be to “normal” for the Dykemas. God has a
plan for everyone, and his plan for us, is to keep us unique for now. We could not
be more thrilled by this, and understand fully this is a blessing from God to
have such a desire to adopt. In all honesty, the enemy tries his hardest to get
us down, by rubbing in our faces we are not “typical” and at times this can be
hard. We would love that you pray for us during this time. We are waiting for
our Home Study date to be set. Please pray, that through this process, that can
be quite long, we continue trusting in God and find joy through the wait, not
lacking in patience. Thanks for reading. The next update will be much shorter I
promise!
I am adopted, and although I can't describe how it must feel like to adopt, I can at least tell you how it is from the adopted child's point of view. My parents never hid the fact that I was adopted from me. According to them, "What is there to hide? We're your parents and we love you." They couldn't be more right.
ReplyDeleteI have also (somewhat recently) been in contact with my birthmother as well. That said, my parents are my parents. They always have been and they always will be. I'm happy to hear about your decision, and I wish you the best in the adoption process!
Sarah, what exciting news! I can not wait to follow along this awesome journey. God will certainly bless you both for following His will for your lives. I'll be praying for the adoption process that it will go smoothly and quickly. :)
ReplyDelete