A Window Into Waverley's World

This is Danielle posting.

I had the delight of visiting Molly last weekend and had the privilege of spending the afternoon with her and her precious girls.

Molly shared with me that they recently received notice that their court hearing date had been set.

November 17th.

That is the date in which lawyers for both sides will have a mere 20 minutes to present their cases to a panel of judges... the judges who will ultimately decide Waverley's future.

20 Minutes!

That's all the time they get to present the legal reasons why this well-adjusted, very much loved, sweet as pie, 1 1/2 year old baby girl should continue being parented by the only parents she has ever known in the only home that she has ever known.

20 Minutes!

It seems like insanity, but it is their reality.

As Molly shared this with me, she said something that struck me. She said...

"I don't want 20 minutes. I want them to come to dinner at our house. I want them to see where she lives. I want them to hear her call me MaMa. I want them to at least spend that 20 minutes with her!"

As a mother and a friend, my heart ached for her when she said this. I could hear the pain and fear in her voice.

And in my non-legal opinion, she is RIGHT!

If those deciding judges spent those 20 minutes in Waverley's home, they would get a peek into Waverley's world...

The only one she has ever known.

And this is what they would see...

She has a precious room with a big comfy chair in it.

There are pictures of her hanging all over the living room walls.

She has a big sister who adores her and calls her "honey bee".

Her mother dresses her in precious clothes with a matching bow.

She has lots of baby dolls and 2 big baskets filled with toys.

She calls her grandma "YaYa".

She loves her pacifier and her monkey.

She takes a nap at 12:30 and tells her mother when she is tired.

She is shy, but oh-so-sweet.

She loves to eat and happily sits in her special chair at the table.

She sleeps with a fan and a noise maker so that her big sister doesn't wake her up in the mornings.

Her mother is one of the most patient, calm, and nurturing mothers I've met.

There are bible verses attached to her refrigerator door.

Her pacifiers and sippy cups have a special residence inside the kitchen cabinet doors.

She sleeps for 14 uninterrupted hours at night.

She has a new baby cousin named Iris.

She is loved by so many.

These are just a few of the things that I witnessed as I peeked into Waverley's world last week.

I wish the judges could spend that 20 minutes in the Nagel home.

If they could peek through the window into Waverley's world, there would be no legal argument in the world that would compel them to decide in favor of the birth father's petition!

As we were preparing to leave, Molly allowed me to use the computer in her bedroom. As I did, I couldn't help but notice an envelope sitting next to the computer. The return address was from the legal offices of Kevin Kenney... their attorney. I knew there was a bill inside that envelope. I know the stress that seeing those envelopes causes Matt & Molly.

As I left the bedroom, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of those of you who have helped through your donations, I was able to write Molly a check of a significant amount. Molly was visibly moved. She told me that it was such an incredible relief to be able to pay that bill without having to figure out how to juggle another credit card payment.

So, to those of you who have shared your treasure with the Nagels, THANK YOU! I have visibly seen the relief your generosity and love has provided this family.

And to those of you have continued to pray for the Nagels, THANK YOU! Prayers, above all else, is what this family continues to covet most.

At the end of our visit, Molly shared with me that they do not expect to have a decision from the court before the end of the year. She recalled that their most difficult day in court last year fell right before the holidays. After a grueling day in court, they immediately left for a family vacation to Colorado where they celebrated the holidays.

As tears welled in her eyes, she shared how difficult the holiday season was last year. Trying to balance celebrating and enjoying the priceless moments of the holidays with the fear that those moments may have to last them forever was so difficult. She was visibly terrified of the possibility of having to face that same balancing act again this year.

So I told her we would pray that she wouldn't have to face it again this year!

In the coming days and months, I ask you to continue to pray for the Nagels. Specifically, I ask you to pray that this case would be decided in favor of the Nagels in an expedient manner so that the Nagels can celebrate this holiday season with the comfort and security of knowing that there will be many more "moments" in their future.

As I close this post, I am reminded of a "moment" that occurred during my visit. I overheard my 4 year old having a very serious conversation with Waverley's big sister, Harper. It went something like this:

Noah: "Sometimes I talk to God at night."

Harper: "I do too."

Me: "When Noah is scared at night, I tell him to talk to Jesus and ask Jesus to make him brave."

Harper: "When I'm scared, I say my verses....

Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.... Joshua 1:9"

Noah: "We have Joshua too!"

This is the kind of home where Waverley is being raised. Her 3 year old sister recited that verse to me without hesitation or mistake! I was impressed... to say the least!

As the reality of the court date draws nearer, I know that Matt & Molly have many reasons to feel terrified and discouraged. But as they are lovingly teaching their daughters, they will be strong and courageous, for they know that the Lord will be with them wherever they go!

Please continue to pray for their strength and courage! And continue to check in for more legal updates and opportunities to help with their financial needs.

With gratitude,

Danielle