She is brave, strong, fiercely passionate about almost everything. At 12 years old, she is part woman with grown up thoughts, ideas and feelings and part little girl who can get lost in dress up and loves a colorful band-aid on her boo-boos.
I tell her often that God overdosed when he poured out her talents. He simply forgot to move on to the next person and gave her far more than her fair share. She smiles her dimpled grin and shakes her head when I tell her that, but it’s true. She’s athletic, beautiful, musical, artistic and her smile takes our breath away. She’s got a knack for fashion and does a better job of dressing me than I do.
She is our daughter and we are crazy about her.
She also has pain. Anger. Deep hurt from circumstances beyond her control. She misses her family and friends and the ache is deep. The stories she has shared deep into the night have left me sleepless with their intensity and heartbreak. How could one so little have suffered so much? She tells me with calm control, but the tears or anger come at other moments – when it’s safer to feel. Something that seems small will trigger the pain and I have to remind myself that behind the moment is so much more. I will hold her, wishing I could make it better, ease the pain, erase the memories.
And at the same time I know that it’s those things that have made her so strong and fierce and brave and beautiful.
So I pray over her and I hold her fast.
She is ours and we love her.
Twelve years old is a volatile age. Hormones raging, friendship challenges, emotions all over the map – and that’s without a history of heartbreak and loss.
And yet she manages it so beautifully, far better than I would have at her age. I’m proud of her, protective of her, prayerful for her future.
I want her to keep expressing emotion, keep crying, laughing, cuddling, processing. I want the emotion to come out as it is and I pray to keep it from going to dark, hard or bitter places. We pray that with her – that God would give her avenues to express herself and for the enemy to keep far away from those open wounds.
I can’t wait to see how God heals, restores, rebuilds. I can’t wait to see Wilna use her talents to shine Jesus into the hearts of others. I can’t wait to see her beautiful story unfold.
And I just pray God gives us just what we need to mama and papa her through it all.
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16 Responses
From the first picture I was taken aback by her beauty and it grows more with each photo. My prayers for her to find peace through the love of her family and
God.
Thanks so much, Debbie. Love you!
Love that girl!
Me too! 🙂
She’s so beautiful. Period. I have been praying for her so thank you for giving me more insight.
I started reading your blog around 2009 to 10…or was that your books…when I went through a painful divorce after 24 years. Now? Well, I remarried…6 months later my granddaughters entered our newlywed home and then became our adopted daughters just after our first anniversary. It’s mindful boggling joy around here…and adjustments galore.
Blessings to you. I love reading your journey.
Wow, thank you, Nelda! So you are an adoptive mama too! Isn’t it amazing how God weaves our stories together? He loves to do the unexpected in our world. Praying all is well with your beautiful family!
Beautiful birthday remembrance!
Thank you, Judy! It’s not her birthday, but I did want to let everyone know a bit about her as I start this new blog. 🙂 More blogs coming on the rest!
Our God walks in front and beside you. He is so glorious! 🙂
John
Amen! 😀
I pray for Wilna and all of the other Colopy Littles every day. Thank you for sharing the easy and the challenging times of Wilna’s journey. I can’t wait to see her in April. Lots of love to all, Nat PS I’m leaving on Friday to join my sister and her husband for a trip to Iceland (brrrr). I’ll be back in Florida on March 11th. Please pray for safe travels for us. From: God Kisses To: ncjackson1@bellsouth.net Sent: Saturday, February 25, 2017 10:56 AM Subject: [New post] Wilna – the big of our littles #yiv4561797630 a:hover {color:red;}#yiv4561797630 a {text-decoration:none;color:#0088cc;}#yiv4561797630 a.yiv4561797630primaryactionlink:link, #yiv4561797630 a.yiv4561797630primaryactionlink:visited {background-color:#2585B2;color:#fff;}#yiv4561797630 a.yiv4561797630primaryactionlink:hover, #yiv4561797630 a.yiv4561797630primaryactionlink:active {background-color:#11729E;color:#fff;}#yiv4561797630 WordPress.com | elsakokcolopy posted: “She is brave, strong, fiercely passionate about almost everything. At 12 years old, she is part woman with grown up thoughts, ideas and feelings and part little girl who can get lost in dress up and loves a colorful band-aid on her boo-boos.I tell h” | |
Have a wonderful trip, dear Nana Nat! Sounds absolutely frigid and delightful, all at the same time. We love you sooooo much!
I will pray right alongside you, Elsa. God is unfolding His mighty.purpose in Wilna. In Jesus’ holy and powerful name above all names!!!Amen.
Amen, Amen, Amen! Thank you, Melissa!!
Beautifully written from your heart as always.
Thank you so much, Teresa! 🙂