If you ever talk to God...

... could you drop in a line for my baby sister?

This is my little sister, Tina & her husband Chad.

They were married the year after David and I, so that means (carry the one, subtract 3, move the decimal over a number, divide the square root...) that they've been married for just over 6 years.

Ever since Tina was a baby, she's wanted a baby. In fact, we knew from a very young age that she had no desire to be anything but a mother when she grew up. She even frequently requested an actual baby from Santa Claus for years. She has always loved children. When we were kids, no matter what we were playing (Barbies, Fisher Price, Dress-up, etc.), somehow she always involved being a Mommy in the mix.


She has always connected with babies. She adores them and they love her. Her biological clock has been ticking probably since her biological clock has even existed. We were convinced that once she was married, a baby would not be far behind.

Chad is a good man. We love him. He was not difficult to welcome into the family. He upholds his Priesthood, he's got a good heart, he's wicked talented... and most importantly, he sincerely laughs at every single one of my jokes (it's awesome). He also loves children. He has a very generous heart and the kind of humble, selfless demeanor that would make a perfect father to a very lucky child.

(With my girls, earlier this year)

Problem is, without going into too much private detail, they can't have kids. Ironic, eh? Millions of 16-year-old delinquents and drug-hazed imbeciles and unwed celebrity parents are popping 'em out like Pez dispensers, and yet, these 2 decent, committed, God-fearing people can't even have one. And it's been very hard for them. After years of trying to figure out how to go about having a biological child of their own, they started the adoption process. They were told it could take time, but it seems as if, in their case, it's taken longer than average. And they've had more than their share of heartache.

Too many close calls.

Too much of getting their hopes up.

Too much of getting let-down.

(I'd say the "close calls" are probably the hardest part for them).

Tomorrow, a woman, who has promised them her little boy, is being induced. This is incredible news! Especially after everything they've been through. But, typical of many cases and experiences, they are afraid to get their hopes up 100% because they've gotten so close too many times before, only to be devastatingly disappointed. It's amazing how quickly a person changes their mind... and it's happened to them a few times too many. (Once is one time too many, in my opinion).

I usually wouldn't go talking about this so publicly because I wouldn't want to jinx it by throwing it out in the universe. But, as her sister, as someone who's been watching this roller coaster ride from the outside (and occasionally strapping myself in for a loop-de-loop when getting a broken-hearted phone call from her) I feel like this one is finally IT.

So, tomorrow, as you are eating your Cheerios, or tying your shoe, or changing a diaper, or commuting to work, or popping a zit, or watching Jerry Springer, or whatever it is you do every morning, but especially if you are saying a prayer, could you include my sister and her husband?

'Cause it's their turn....