by Lynze Weaver
Our story is one I never dreamed would be reality! In 2016 I felt God moving me to east TN and I didn’t really understand why. My friends pastored a church there, and I thought that’s why God was moving me to help them with the church. At least, that’s what I told myself, family and friends. I was also able to take a position as a NICU nurse, which had been my goal since starting nursing school.
After working for just a couple months in the NICU, I quickly saw a huge need for more foster parents. I prayed about it and started the process thinking if I could help at least one child, than I was doing something. Little did I know this process would be teaching me a whole new kind of love!
My little superhero was born to a momma that didn’t make the best choices during pregnancy, and he had a hard time transitioning. He needed respiratory support and then several weeks of help to withdraw from his exposures. So I met my little man as his nurse and never dreamed I’d see him again. I had him several of the days he was admitted. We had a different kind of bond that didn’t usually happen with my patients, but I didn’t know why tab the time. I cared for him and loved him while he was there, but never knew how his story would end. He got better and went home with an aunt and uncle. So I figured I would never see him again.
God Brings Him Back
One week later, May 8, 2017, DCS called and had a baby they needed to place. They told me his name, and I immediately said yes! They brought me a 7-week-old baby that I knew was going to need so much love and care, even more than the average baby. May 8th, I became a momma and to me was the best title I’ve ever received.
Our process was just beginning. We went through a few months of visits which were so hard on Matthew and I, but we kept following the process, and I continued praying! Around July, I had a peace I couldn’t explain that he wasn’t going back to his parents. Now don’t get me wrong, I still had my days of doubt, tears and frustration. The Lord was growing me so much during this time.
Finally I got a call in January 2018 that his parents had decided to give up their rights which would allow me to adopt. I was over the moon with excitement.
An Open Door
Now the whole time he was in my home, I had a burden for his parents but felt I couldn’t really invite them to church or didn’t really have a door to share the gospel and how Christ could help them overcome addictions. But when they surrendered, the judge granted a final visit and I had my window! I was able to thank them for the gift of their child and tell them how I would always love him. I also was able to share the gospel, so I knew I had at least given them a chance. We don’t know the outcome, but I pray they took that and used it. One day, I hope Matthew can meet them in a better place.
After that visit we had to wait for paperwork to go through and finally April 12, 2018 my little superhero would share my last name! Now I know the reason God moved me. I couldn’t be more thankful and happy to have my little man.
Lynze is a personal superhero of mine. She is currently a nurse at Vanderbilt, and change so lives every day on the job. Her entire family has rallied around these two superheroes and they are enjoying life together.
Hannah Walters