September 18, 2025
Our Adoption Story: Waiting, Hope, and Eleven Beautiful Years with Seeley
Eleven years ago, we were so confident in our adoption journey that we shared that we had been chosen.
As I look at, my husband, Billy and I and who we were, I see so much more than two rested soon to be parents.
I remember the joy, pride, terror and trust — the tears, the years and the struggle to become parents.
I remember the decade of living with an empty crib as various agencies told us we were ready and waiting. The dreams of what it would be like.
Mostly, I remember the joy that filled my heart each time, and the hope that this time would be different.
The fall of 2014 eventually turned to the winter in 2015, and it sure was different. She was born, she came home with us and we never looked back.
There isn’t a single part of me that doesn’t believe that we were made for Seeley, and she for us.
We were preparing, learning, cultivating a strong marriage, and logging sleep. Meanwhile, I am sure God was figuring out how to cram so much unreasonably remarkable, miraculous and mischievous into one tiny babe.
Being this beauty’s mom has taken strength I didn’t know I had, love that would become so endless it seems to grow each time I give her more, and all of the desire to thrive that we built up over years and years of waiting.
For us being Seeley’s parents is answered prayer. She is exactly what Billy and I dreamed of and a ton more.
She is special.
Special all her own.
Yes, Seeley is creative, curious, distinct and she has struggles, strengths and disabilities. Above all, she is proud. There is so much to this kid that doesn’t show up on the diagnostics. She is magic. Her hugs can heal.
Her belief in herself is remarkably protected. She is strong, gifted, determined and works so hard.
I can’t wait to see where we are in eleven more years. I will probably still be tired, filled with love and in complete awe watching her go.
Written by Rachel Flanagan of FlanaVille
