What Faith Can Do...

It is finished. I'm officially Poorna Diaz! The adoption was finalized today in a private hearing in the Family Judicial Court in Louisville.

My family and I arrived around 3 o' clock...almost an entire hour early. To say we were ready would be an understatement! Our lawyer arrived promptly at 3:30 to prep us for the hearing at 3:45. When we got into the courtroom, I noticed we were the only ones; us and the sheriff. The Judge entered, we all stood up to show respect, and waited for her to give us permission to sit. Then we were sworn in. After that the Judge reviewed the case out loud...not without a chuckle though. She couldn't help but see that the "children" were not really children, but rather grown adults. She even asked us how old we are! Apparently they don't have many adoption cases with 25 and 29-year old "children"! Then the lawyer tendered the request (i.e., put the adoption request on the table), and asked both parties (my parents and me and my sister) whether we agree. I took one look at my mom and lost it. I was doing so well controlling my emotions, but when I see that woman get emotional, tears flow automatically for me. The four of us agreed. The Judge confirmed it...stated my new name...signed the paper...and pounded the gavel...erased the past...and created a clean slate. It is finished.

Here's what the legalese on my paper stated:

"IT IS HEREBY ORDERED AND ADJUDGED AS FOLLOWS:

1. The name of the adult child above set out is and shall be hereafter known as POORNA DIAZ.
2. The adult child, POORNA DIAZ, from and after the date hereof shall be deemed the child of the Petitioner, Henry Diaz...for all other legal considerations, the natural and legitimate child of the Petitioner, and same as if born of his body with all the obligations, rights and privileges of such a natural child and heir.
3. The parental control of the adult Respondent, POORNA DIAZ, is hereby granted to the Petitioner, Henry Diaz, and the Petitioner shall hereafter be under the same responsibility....and be entitled to the same rights and privileges as if she were his natural child...

(If you're wondering...they always put my new name in ALL CAPS...while I'm excited about the new name...I wasn't trying to be obnoxious about it above!)

All I have to say is : wow. A dream come true! I can't being to count the number of other things that were going through my head during that time today. How on earth did my family get to this place? Did God know the whole time? Did I ever think today would happen 15 years ago...or even 10 years ago for that matter? What is going on in my mom's head right now? And a million other similar thoughts.

But one thing I do know, it feels right. God knew today was going to happen; He knew not only 10 years ago, but I believe He knew 25 years ago...or even 50+ years ago. As the psalmist says, "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain." (Psalm 139:6) What I or any of my other family members did to deserve today's miracle, is beside me. I'm not going to dwell on the mystery, but rather enjoy the blessing.

I recently came across a song, which I've pegged as "my family's song" simply because it communicates the story of my family better than anything else I've seen or heard. I've actually never heard a song that has been this appropriate for a particular situation! Make sure to pay attention to each lyric and verse! They are quite remarkable.

Here you go....the song is "What Faith Can Do" By: Kutless


If you can imagine this for a second (without laughing out loud): I sing this song at the top of my lungs in the car, anytime I hear it. For your own sake, I just hope none of you are ever in the car with me when it comes on...

One more thought that was going through my head during the short 10 minutes in court: is this a glimpse of what we will experience when we get to Heaven someday? The Eternal Judge will be seated on His throne...we will stand up (or bow down?) to show respect & reverence...He will confirm our salvation...give us a new heavenly name...erase our past...give us a clean slate...and we will be eternally adopted into Heaven.

I have chills just thinking about it!

So, now for the first time ever, I'll close the post by signing my new name.

Sweet Dreams,

Poorna Diaz