An experience at Rhea Lana's....

The kids and I decided to check out the half price sale at Rhea Lana's Friday after our counseling session.  I had never been before and neither had they.  While looking at the girl's clothes, I asked an older woman about the "dot" thing- which clothes were considered half price or not.  She was very helpful.  We probably spent an hour looking at clothes and toys.  The kids each picked out a toy, after much debate, and we were headed to the checkout.  This older lady had come up to me several times during that hour to chat.  I caught myself being nervous around her.  I was wondering inside if she recognized the kids.  Did she know them?  That sounds so silly, but from an adoptive Mom, who adopted older kids well, I guess it will always be at the back of my mind. 

At the checkout this lady and her daughter- who was a little older than me were in front of us.  My foot was bothering me- thanks to a pulled ligament- and the kids were getting restless.  I was just plain old tired and tired of waiting in line.  This older lady commented on how well the kids were being.  She said they were very well behaved.  I grinned and told her thank you.  All the while I was thinking- yep, we've only had them 7 months- if you'd known how hard we are working on behavior.  I told her I appreciated her kind words.  I felt the Lord leading me to tell her we had adopted them.  I don't share that all the time- it's really no one's business, but this time I did.  I told her we had finalized on Monday.  She got the biggest grin on her face.  She said, "So, that's why you poor thing look so exhausted."  I was thinking- well, thanks.  I did put on makeup today and tried to do something with my hair- but come to think of it, yes I've been exhausted for 7 months!!!  She told me that she had adopted her daughter and her sister when they were 3 and 5 years old.  She said, "I know exactly what you are going through.  It's hard. You have to be strict at first, but trust me eventually they will get it.  That girl you see right there- pointing at her daughter- turned out wonderfully and so did her sister."

I gave her a hug right there.  I told her how nice it was that someone understood.  They left shortly after that, but not without the daughter coming up to give me a hug.  She said adoption is so special- especially since my Mom chose me too.  How cool is that.  Then, she winked and said, "If you hadn't said anything we wouldn't have known.  They look just like you."  I just beamed.

The Lord used a Rhea Lana half price sale to encourage me.  If He can use a stranger in a clothing sale, He can use anyone!