PRICELESS (A true conversation)

“Mom, you have to pay $1,000. for some dogs.”
Me: Yes, that’s true.

“Did you pay that much when you got us?”

Me: Sure did. (this child knows that children are not bought, but there are lots of fees to pay and travel, etc–it’s not free)

“Did you pay more than that?”

Me: Yup.

“more than $2,000?”

Me: Yup.

(incredulous now) “more than $3,000!?”

Me: Yup.

“Wait. That much for EACH of us?”

Me: Yup. Do you think you are worth it?

“No.”

Me: “You don’t think it’s worth that $$ to bring a child into a family. To give them a momma and a daddy. A family to love and a home. All the food they want and need?
I do. You are worth that and a whole lot more.” GOD thinks so, too.”

“In just a few years if you didn’t adopt me I would have to leave the orphanage and I wouldn’t have a place to go.”

(pensive) “do you ever regret getting us?”

Me: “No. Not ever. Not even a teenie bit.”

“Not even when we are bad?”

Me: “No, not even when you are very bad.”

“Do you have a favorite?” (I’ve gotten this question many times)

Me: “No, I don’t have a favorite. I love you ALL very much. And I would do it all again. You are all very special to me.”

This same child has asked me many times lately if I love them as much as the children I gave birth to. Can’t quite figure how on earth I could. Thinks that I would love my birth children more. Also, “were you excited when you got us?” Me: It is SO exciting when you get your child. At least as exciting as giving birth to your child, but in a different way. You are getting a child. What could be more exciting?”

My sweet child. I wish you could be convinced what a treasure you are. Yes. I would do it again. The $$$ means nothing. The smiles. The hugs. The laughter. Even the tears that you can have kissed away, now. THAT my dear. is Priceless.

Betty