Several friends texted to wish us a "Happy Family Day" yesterday. They had recently read Wild Specific Tangent, in which I reference our combination Valentine's / Family Day celebration and Daniel's fascination with the holiday. Yesterday was a big one. It's been ten years since we met Daniel and finished adoption paperwork at the US Embassy in Guatemala City. An eventful decade, full of every human emotion.
Daniel was absorbed in his preparations for this historic day, writing Valentine's and love letters to each member of the family. He re-wrote his adoption story in his own words, and added a few favorite photos to illustrate the main themes. He brought these documents to our traditional Mexican dinner last night, and read the sentiments aloud, each family member receiving their due.
Dressed in coordinating print shirt and festive tie, Daniel was unusually upbeat and focused. He didn't shed a tear or let his voice quaver as he talked about losing his caregiver and leaving with us "strangers." He included some of the difficult parts of his transition, wrote about waking up scared and lost every morning, crying until I could wrest him out of bed for an early morning walk in the stroller. His scary tonsillectomy /adenoidectomy was reviewed, too, though it was highlighted by the gift of his favorite teddy.
Watching Daniel take ownership of his story, find meaning in the trauma, find places for his brother and sister in his personal epic, display his affection and appreciation for me and his father- well, sufficient to say that my eyes weren't dry.
Ten years ago I could never have imagined this journey, could not have anticipated the tremendous difficulties, resilience, strength of each member of my family. Thank God I didn't know. But for a brief moment last night we all celebrated the process that brought us together, made us stronger, sent us forward into whatever life has in store.
No comments:
Post a Comment