The Sarajune Project

I thought it would be nice, and perhaps a bit therapeutic, to do another Sarajune Project update.

Ok, so maybe it's really just therapeutic because I was at a funeral this morning and my contacts are dry and weird because I actually closed out the funeral by ugly-crying. So unattractive.

My friend Zenda passed away last Wednesday from a brain aneurysm, and so many memories and thoughts have been streaming through my mind. Zenda, her hubby Paul, and son Casey, moved into our neighborhood shortly after we did. Daniel and I were newly weds and then I was newly pregnant. Zenda served on a Homemaking board with me. She was relentless in her friendship and kindness. She has known me through my marriage, my pregnancies and our adoption. She was one of the people I asked to write a letter of recommendation for Ruthie's adoption application. She wrote a beautiful letter that had me in tears and very appreciative of her notice of me and my family. When we traveled to China to get Ruthie, she watched from her computer when I would update our travel website. She was one of the first people to come visit when we got home and the first Sunday we went to church, she sat next to me on the couch and let Ruthie touch her fingernails and rings. That is the memory I will forever have of Zenda. I know it's one that she will always remember, too. When we meet again, I know she will ask, "How is Ruthie? I can't believe how big she is and how much she's changed. Do you remember when we sat and she just played with my fingernails? I will never forget that." I know that's what she'll say, because it's what she always said.

I asked her if she would be willing to do another letter of recommendation for Sarajune's adoption. I don't think a herd of wild stallions could have stopped her from another stunning letter. On this adoption, her question was always, "Have you heard anything? Don't worry, you'll get your baby. I know you will." I am sure she will go and introduce herself to Sarajune soon. She will say what a wonderful family she is coming to and that she wouldn't find another family to love her like we will. If she is surprised that it's James that is getting ready to come, she will hug him and tell him the same thing. She'll also elbow him and say, "Boy, your parents will sure be surprised, won't they?" Then she'll laugh her fantastic laugh and then go meet the others waiting to come to their families that she knew.

That's what I'm holding on to right now. Even though I have so many wonderful people there to know my daughter before she comes, Zenda's visit to her just comforts me. I will miss her. I know I will see her again. I know she was waiting excitedly for another baby to come to us.

Ok. I feel better. That was therapeutic. My baby's in good hands and I hope Zenda is enjoying getting to know her while I wait impatiently for pigs to fly.