| Is It a Sign? |
| Thursday, February 26, 2009 |
| By Kay Hong |
Another category of experiences of awe and wonder is more difficult to describe than last time’s experience in nature…I might call it an encounter with the mystery; another person might call it getting a message from God or Allah; another might more simply call it being open to and trusting in the universe. Let me know what you would call it, after you read!
 When I was in my late forties, I began to really consider the possibility of adopting or fostering a child. I had not had children when I was married, but I liked children and was now in a good, stable situation. My career was steady and paid enough for me to afford a small house in St. Paul. I was comfortable with myself and my life, and felt I would have something good to give to a child in need. And I was (and still am) tremendously concerned about how many children in our society are neglected, troubled, or abused.
In 2007, a day in August came (a Tuesday, I think) when everything felt right—my health was good, I was exercising, the house and yard were in good shape, and I felt ready. I wasn’t sure what I was ready for, exactly, but I just felt ready. And I wanted to somehow acknowledge that—so I sat cross-legged on my living room floor, did some meditating and deep breathing, then turned my palms up, hands resting on my knees, and said aloud, “Okay, Universe, show me what it is that I should do or be next; I’m open and I’m ready.”
At the time, it felt both solemn and a little strange—this is not something I had ever done before—and I settled in to wait hopefully for some kind of sign. Little did I know how quickly the sign would come.
The very next weekend, I was having dinner with my brother, and he told me that his daughter was having some difficulties and had asked if her 6-year-old boy could live with him for the upcoming school year. For a variety of reasons, he had turned her down, but the need remained. In that moment, with no doubts and with a deep, quiet certainty, I knew this was the response from the Universe; I was awed at both the clarity and the quickness.
I left our dinner early, phoned my niece, and told her I would be glad to have her little boy live with me. We talked often during the next few days and took care of some legalities. One week after that dinner, I had a little boy come to live with me, and he is living with me still.
Naturally, this adventure—both rewarding and challenging—has brought much change into my life, and much learning, and a fair bit of tears and laughter. Through it all, I continue to be amazed at how it all came about. |
