New Connections

Dear Henry,

July 7th was a special day for our family. After much waiting and many e-mails we were finally able to arrange a picnic with J's mom, Jmom, at a local park. Since all of J's family members' names begin with a J, with the exception of her two sons, using initials might get a little wonky so J, your birthmother, will be referred to on the blog as J and J's mom will be referred to as Jmom. I haven't figured out how to reference the others but I'll take that on as we meet them.

It was a really sunny clear day, fitting for such an anticipated meeting. We washed you up, got you dressed and headed out to buy a bucket of chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and some biscuits. We drove into the park and arrived at the shelter where we had designated to meet Jmom and my heart sank. I didn't see Jmom anywhere! I thought, "Oh no! She couldn't make it!" So Daddy drove us back around the park to see if she might be at the elaborate playground. Not knowing what Jmom looks like or who came with her I wasn't sure what to look for in the sea of faces quickly shifting around the playground. Just as we were thinking of going back to the shelter to eat and go home I see a super smiley lady with long blond hair waving at us. I got chills and said, "Steve! Steve! Is that her? I think that's her!" Daddy stopped the van and Mommy got out and started across the playground. Mommy was near yelling her name with a shaking voice and she Mommy's. So, we were practically running to each other and Jmom was fanning back the tears...we embraced. Henry, the love exchanged in that hug was palpable. We clutched onto each other for some time and then broke to get a look at each other and to tell each other how happy we are that this meeting is finally happening. Jmom thought that she would be overwhelmed with emotion. I did too! But she felt like the blog about you has helped her already know our family so the meeting felt happy and relaxed. She was very sweet and had the best time cuddling you and making you laugh.

She laughed and smiled a lot while snapping photos. While she was visiting with us the rest of the family kept calling her to see how things were going. She laughed and told them to, "Let me visit so I can tell you later how it went!" Mommy thinks they wish they had all come along for the Meet Henry Picnic! Later she told us how happy she is that we all found each other. We are so grateful for the graciousness of J and her family in supporting Mommy and Daddy as your parents. Our adoption experience has opened Mommy's eyes to the boundless depths and breadth that humans can be connected to each other. It encompasses forgiving hearts, a hard look at truth, selflessness, a focus on others verses the self, as well as some courage. In a world that can be pessimistic and suspicious of others the hope for our little Henry to have the best life possible washes all of that away. Mommy hopes that you grow up knowing all of the love that has grown between people from different towns and different backgrounds as you set to make your way into this world. Mommy's biggest wish is that these new relationships continue to be positive.

Jmom brought one of J's nieces with her, I'll call her Ms. Monkey because she was all over that playground. You could tell she is a pretty special young lady. She was able to play for 2 hours on the playground happy as a lark. She was also really into getting to know you and helped you down your very first, second, third, and forth slide rides! Ms. Monkey pushed you in the swing and worked hard to make you laugh. She had a good time


climbing up the big net and hitting the top of the post all the way to the top! After a while we needed to go home and get ready to spend the weekend at Grandma P's and Crappaw's. We gave hugs and had Ms. Monkey snapped a picture of the four of us.

It was a great visit and we are happy that it finally happened. I know Jmom is greatly anticipating this blog entry so I better get it posted! I promised I would add more photos than usual.


Henry, we are never done learning about what we are personally capable of and what others are capable of so don't ever be afraid to have big expectations for your life. Please don't sell yourself short and give others the opportunity to show their best selves too.

I love you sweetsie,
Mommy