The Moon is Always Watching

In Ethiopia, unlike many international adoptions, it is very likely that you will have the opportunity to meet a birth family member of your child. The child is unable to accompany you on this visit. For this reason, I was hesitant to go if a family member was even available and willing to meet me. I couldn't imagine leaving my son even for a moment after I am finally united with him. I posed the question to those who have gone before me.

Many on my adoption blog shared beautiful stories of the encounters they had, the stories and histories they learned. One told of how she and the birth mother agreed to look at the moon to know that they were thinking of one another. It was this touching story which inspired the following:

The Moon is Always Watching

Momma First leans against the lean trunk of the acacia tree. She can hear the soft song of the owls. Night is almost gone. She stares up toward the vast starry African sky. But she is not looking at the stars. She is looking at the moon.

The moon is watching and he is smiling.

Momma Forever sits on a white painted porch in the comfortable swing. Back and Forth Back and Forth. The street lights pop on across the road. But she is not looking at he lights. She is looking at the moon.

The moon is watching and he is smiling.

Malia lays in the lap of Momma Forever who strokes her curly black hair with long ivory fingers. Fire flies dance in the yard. But she is not looking at the fire flies, she is looking at the moon.

The moon is watching and he is smiling.

Kede is sitting on the floor making his cars go round and round with a rrrr and a vrrroom. He drives them over Momma Forever's foot and laughs. Head lights of an approaching car illuminate the pavement. But he is not looking at the pavement, he is looking at the moon.

The moon is watching and he is smiling.

Daddy comes to the door, it is time for sleep.

Kede gathers his little cars in his chubby brown hands. Malia pulls her tight curls back into a pony tail. Momma Forever smooths her skirt and stands. Daddy holds the door open and gathers his family into their home.

In Africa far across the sea, Momma First whispers to the moon, "Watch my babies while they sleep."

And the moon nods.

In the quiet American town, as Daddy closes the door, all turn to for one last look. It is Malia's turn, and so she softly whispers to the moon, "Watch Momma First for us today."

And the moon nods.

For he is the same moon and he is always watching, and he is smiling.