The Season of Miracles!

This is the face of our families Christmas miracle......Tanner Jack.

My parents attempted to adopt Tanner 20 years ago when he was a brand new baby. After three months of fighting in court to be able to make him a part of our family my parents lost the battle and he was taken from our home.

He returned to his biological family, and we had contact with them for the first year of Tanner's life. Much to our families disappointment contact was lost with Tanner's family and we no longer new where he was or who was taking care of him.

On Christmas Eve an incredible woman, LaRae, came to my parents home telling them that she was Tanner's mom (legal guardian/foster mom - whatever you want to call her, she's Tanner's mom!). I was lucky enough to be there as she told of how Tanner entered their lives 10 years ago and the miraculous circumstances through which she came to find out about my parents and their role in Tanner's life.

She told us story after story about Tanner and all about the amazing person that he has become.

Needless to say we were in utter shock and filled with gratitude for LaRae and her family.

A few days later Tanner came to my parents home to meet the family he never knew he had.

Tanner's biological family is Native American and they come from the Oneida and Navajo tribes. Tanner loves his culture and history! I learned more that evening about the Navajo culture then I ever thought I would and it was fascinating.

This is a photo of Tanner unwrapping his moccasins.
Although Tanner was born with cerebral palsy and does not have the full use of his legs he will walk when the incentive is good enough.
His mom promised him that if he would walk across the stage at his high school graduation she would make him moccasins. He had six months to prepare himself.
Like any teenager he told her no, and then changed his mind four days before graduation.

LaRae hand made these gorgeous moccasins in four days; tanning her own leather and sewing every bead by hand!

The moccasins represent Tanner's spirit animal, the wolf, with paws on the sides and wolf eyes on the tops.

He wore his moccasins on graduation day walked across the stage.
This experience, like no other, has reaffirmed to me that God has a hand in our lives, and he cares about our happiness. After twenty years of unrest our family was not only given peace and closure, but the chance to be reacquainted with the son and brother we thought we'd lost.

I will be forever grateful for the circumstances that brought me home for Christmas in 2009, and for the opportunity to partake of Tanner's unconditional love and courageous spirit.
We love you Tanner!