Wednesday, August 11, 2010

The Day I Met the Love of My Life

I've shared various parts of my adoption story at Wednesday's Walk; how I came to choose adoption, our finalization day and choosing the date, and the steps along the way. I haven't written a post like this in a while, so today, I'd like to share the most precious story of our journey.

The day we met.

November, 2007

I was waiting for the phone call, the one that said my baby was ready for me.

At birth, my son had been placed with a wonderful foster mother who had taken great care of him for the first nine weeks of his life. I had already had the presentation, received photos, and waited on pins and needles while a judge decided my child's fate.

I received the call from my Social Worker on November 19, saying that we were clear, and I could finally meet my baby. The plan was for me to go and visit with him the next day, on a Tuesday evening, and come back to pick him up and take him home the following day.

Monday night was filled with much preparation and anticipation. I washed bedding, set up the nursery, and bought an infant car seat and a few outfits, including a "Baby's First Thanksgiving" outfit, since the holiday was just three days away. My purchases were still in my car when I went to visit the foster mom's house the next day.

I barely slept that night, and just plowed through work the next day, as it was really NOT where I wanted to be. I even agonized over what to wear, because, you know, first impressions and all.

The thirty minute car ride to the foster mother's house, I just kept telling myself to breathe. I was about to meet my child for the first time.

When I pulled up, I realized my Social Worker wasn't there yet, and I was 20 minutes early. My heart was racing as I walked up the pathway to the front door and rang the bell.

A child answered, and went to get her mother, who came down the hall with an infant wrapped in a soft blue and white striped blanket. Tears filled my eyes as she placed the baby in my arms. 

"Here's your baby," she said, smiling; and to my son, "Meet your Mama."

I just held him and looked at him for the next 30 minutes until the Social Workers arrived. Like I mentioned, the plan was that this would be just a visit and I would come back and pick him up the next evening. The foster mom questioned the Social worker, "Why can't she just take him home tonight."

I don't think I took a breath for the next minute while the Social Workers pondered her suggestion.

"I guess that would be ok." That's when my mind started racing. Could I really do this alone? "Do you have a car seat?"

I told the Social Worker I had purchased the car seat, but hadn't even taken it out of the box yet. That had been on tonight's agenda! They set it all up for me while I just got to hold my baby.

I signed the paperwork, gathered up his belongings, said goodbye to the Social Workers and hugged the foster mom. We were off to start our lives together.

I remember praying in my heart as I secured him in the car, asking God for guidance, and above all thanking him for the most precious gift of my life.


13 comments:

  1. oh I was holding my breath with you! I can only imagine what you went through in those first moments with your son! he is adorable :) thanks for linking a post today!

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  2. I'm in tears right now! Thanks for sharing, it's such an amazing story.

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  3. I love that story!! It makes my heart happy!! :) And what precious pictures!

    **hugs**

    :)
    Rachel

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  4. tears! I was a foster care/adoption recruiter for a few years. These are the stories you live for!

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  5. That is an amazing story that you can look forward to telling your son in the future. He is beautiful.

    I have will have to read the post on discipline. Have a great day!

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  6. Wow! Did you realize that you took your precious gift home on National Adoption Day? WOW! I'm going back and writing up our love story.

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  7. I imagine that 30 minute car journey was the longest of your life! He is so beautiful and look at that smile. Instant bond forever.

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  8. oh goodness, what an absolutely adorable baby he was (and still is!). You make such a beautiful pair and I am so so happy the adoption experience worked out well for you. He looks like such a happy boy :) Thank you for sharing.

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  9. Oh I love reading your adoption posts. Warms my heart...Looks like he didnt take his eyes off of you. A true Mama and Baby.

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  10. How precious! I just love the pictures!

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  11. What a beautiful baby! Love the pictures:)

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  12. I loved this story! Hooray for happy endings!

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  13. What a precious post! A perfect Walk down Memory Lane!
    How sweet are the photos!

    I am finally gettting a chance to stop by from Wednesday's walk down Memory lane... and yikes! It is already time for another!

    Blessings & Aloha!
    I would love it if you get a chance to stop by my place :o)

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