What a wonderful, glorious, fabulous night
Or as Andi is fond of saying, "super de duper." Tonight I was so honored to be a guest at a dinner where a woman so dear to me was quite surprised to find out she had been nominated and was a finalist for Mother of the Year by Life Choices Maternity and Youth Home.
The caseworker who brought us Wesley ~~ Terry Vote ~~ was the finalist. Here is a picture of her (bottom right) with her family. Her husband and grandson are beside her. Her sister, daughter, son, and son in-law behind her. At this point when the picture was made, she was clueless. She just thought we were all there for the fundraising dinner. 
If she had bothered to open her program, like her grandson, Ethan did, she would have found out because there was a bit about her and why she was nominated.
Her daughter, Emily was severely injured several years ago in a head on collision. When her request for a leave of absence was denied, Terry, without giving it a second thought, resigned from her job of many years at Children and Family Services in order to be by Emily's side. She has helped in every way imaginable as Emily has gone through literally dozens of surgeries. She continues to be tireless in helping Emily recover.
Last week the kids and I went to be part of a film tribute to her that was shown this evening. As I watched the video, I realized once again that without her, we would not have Wesley in our family. It was quite an honor to be asked to be part of it. When I got the email about it, it said, "I know she treasures her relationship with your family. I once heard her say she was most proud of helping unite your family (although she knows God had ultimate control). Personally, we think it was the best thing she ever did too while working for CPS, but if she can choose our adoption out of years of work, that makes it even more special.
So off to the dinner I went this evening and after watching videos about a mother of nine, another mother of five who is fighting cancer and a couple of other great moms, I was so proud to hear her named as the winner. She sat in stunned silence, crying silently for a moment before walking up to the front of a room crowded with hundreds of people and making a very beautiful, gracious, acceptance speech about God's plan in our lives. 
The plaque reads: Motherhood Celebration 2007 MOTHER OF THE YEAR award presented to Terry Elaine Vote in recognition of
Your dedication and commitment to your children.
The willingness to make sacrifices to give your children what they need.
The ability to handle life's challenges and adversity and continue caring for your children.
The ability to inspire your children and all others who know you.
We think it should read all that and a whole lot more.
Congratulations, Terry. We all love you.
