My husband has an uncanny ability to fall asleep even during the most chaotic and stressful moments of life. He swears by naps and insists that his view of the world is rosier after he’s caught his forty winks. He takes his Sabbath resting responsibilities quite seriously and catches the odd snooze after work and even AT work, if the opportunity presents itself. (And before anyone calls the ethics police, he is self-employed. ;) )

On each of our adoption trips, as I’ve been busily repacking suitcases, filling out paperwork, emailing family back home, or having a minor (or not-so-minor) panic attack over the dramatic changes that are taking place in our lives, my husband…

simply…

sleeps…

And it appears that no new-to-us child can resist the lure of a cuddle with dad. No matter how traumatic the upheaval in their young lives, no matter how suspicious of us they may be, no matter how much they may subconsciously fear for their own safety with these strange new people, daddy’s slowing breath, relaxed muscles and peaceful look are too inviting to resist. These cues speak comfort and peace and safety and love to the most frightened of little souls, and soon, the pair of them are drifting off into a fairyland together, leaving the cares of the world behind.

The evidence:

Daddy and Maizie, China, December 2002



Daddy and Sofie, China, March 2005



Daddy and Jackson, Haiti, May 2006



Today is my 16th wedding anniversary, and on days like today, it’s difficult not to reflect on our earlier years together and marvel at how far we’ve come, and on such a dramatically different path than either of us expected. It’s just proof that you can never imagine as great a life for yourself as God can, and that there are tremendous blessings to be had by seeking to know His will for you.

As I type, my husband sleeps quietly beside me, after having tucked each of our nine sleepyheads into their beds. His work for the day as done, and he fell asleep in an instant, leaving the cares of the world behind. It’s late, and I’m ready to join him in fairyland.

Happy anniversary, you cute dad ‘o nine!