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Monday, November 21, 2005

Talking to Nana


One of the hardest parts about living in Seattle is being away from our families. Although we try to talk on the phone often, I update using this blog and the website and Samuel and I travel back as often as possible, it just isn't enough. Mike and I wrestle with the thought of Samuel having to be away from all his family for the first three years of his life. We often question God about the direction we feel He has chosen for us to follow. Yet, at the end of the day we know we will be heading back to Michigan soon and by living a life lead by God, Samuel will learn the value of following his heart when the time comes. As parents we want to support our children in taking risks in order to live life fully. We feel that it would be impossible for us to do so if we do not do so ourselves.

With that being said, we are trying to come up with ways for Samuel to know his extended family even though they are states and states away. We will be making videos over Christmas of each family member that he can then watch on the computer, we have started a scrapbook of people who love him and will read it often, we even have a talking picture frame. Shortly after moving here, Samuel received a package from his Nana (Jenn's mom). In it was a picture frame with a picture of the two of them and a button to push. When pushed it simply says "Hi Samuel! This is Nana. I hope you're being a good boy. I sure miss you. We'll see you soon. I love you." It still brings tears to my eyes. Anyway, each day we play this for Samuel, sometimes multiple times. At first he would just stare at it and then look away, but now it is a different story. He often reaches out for it, grabs it and trys to eat it (we call it kissing Nana). There is always a smile on his face.

It is amazing to watch him interact with the picture and voice. Although it is by no means a substitute for the real interaction we desire him to have, it will have to make due for now. I am eager to see him respond to his Nana over Thanksgiving after being away for nearly six weeks. I truly believe he is capable of making the connection with her voice and the picture. I guess we will have to wait and see. Until then we will keep pushing the button.