Crying...good tears..LONG

TiaS16 · October 2012

Ok, long story that I'm going to attempt to shorten in order to get to the point.

I was adopted at birth. In 1982, 15year olds with babies was not any where near as accepted as it is now. I have known all my life and was blessed that my biological mother was able to place me into such a wonderful family. We were able to exchange letters through the social services office throughout the years, so I've always known her vaguely.

Fast forward to 2011...my biological mother dies in a single vehicle accident. Over the course of the 29 years between 1982-2011, my biological mother and I became friends (Thank You Facebook). I had met her the November I was 21 and we talked about weekly on messaging not counting the hundreds on comments pasted on walls throughout the week. After her death I was able to meet and become friends with her daughter, my half-sister, and many other family members... I also met, via Facebook, her Mother, my biological grandmother. After some awkward getting-to-know-you messages I figured that was all she needed/wanted from me.

About a week ago, Keliegh, my biological grandmother asks for my mailing address as she has a gift for the baby. No biggie, until Thrusday when I get the gift..yes, it was 48 hours before my shower, but this gift is personal on a different level and I didnt want to open it in front of people....anyway....She has knitted, little hats in the appropriate university colors for the baby to wear, one for my university, and one for my husbands...adorable and SO sweet.

Then there a gorgeous knitted yellow blanket with a hat...and a note. She made the blanket for me...30 years ago. She wanted me to have it but it was up to me if I gave it to my son, but the hat was for him. The note is handwritten and it takes me forever to read, since her handwriting is beautiful, and EXACTLY like my biological mothers. And all I can think is that my bio-mom would have loved the idea of me being pregnant, she would have send gifts, sent notes and given endless name ideas since we can't figure it out ourselves. I'm also stunned that this woman made me a blanket, kept it in pristine condition for 30 years on the off chance she might be able to give it to me. I'm told she's only made this pattern 3 times, for each of her grandchildren.

Then Friday, yesterday, happens...crazy day at school (I teach) and I'm living for that 3:15 bell to send the kids HOME. I'm caught by a parent outside that asks to talk to me. Now, we've been studying traditions/holidays per the curriculum requirements, and this family is Jehovah's Witness. I've been very careful to let the little girl explain her traditions and things...but when a parent asks to talk to me I start panicking thinking I said too much or something. Anyway, I dismiss the remaining children and go to meet with these parents who ask where I'm parked...they have a gift for my baby. A HUGE 3'x2' box that takes up most of my backseat. And just because I have NO will power, I have my hubby help me open it when he gets home. It's a jacuzzi/spa bath tub for the baby...I hadn't registered for it because it was a pricer item and I figured the whale one was cheap, cute and perfect...here come the tears again. This family is like the majority of families in this area, living paycheck-to-paycheck, and just getting by. Needless to say I cried again stunned by the sheer generosity of people.

My shower is today, at 1...I'll be taking a brand new box of tissues.

I wanted to share this with everyone on this board since, despite the parties for the babies, the holidays are coming...and I know I'm really bad about getting caught up in the 'stuff' and losing sight of the reason. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, baby shower and holiday season.

Allycat11 · October 2012

Very sweet story. I also was adopted as an infant because my parents were teens. It was a closed adoption so we had no contact until my adult life but I have become very close to several biological family members.

danuli8 · October 2012

Awww. That is a wonderful story. I'm so happy that your biological grandma has been so kind and thoughtful, and I'm sorry your biological mom couldn't be here to celebrate your pregnancy with you. The family at your school is just mind-blowingly generous. It is wonderful to feel loved and cherished and I bet you feel that in abundance right now. Congratulations, and have a terrific shower.

SingleMom31 · October 2012

We had our shower yesterday, and I was amazed by how kind and generous everyone was. I know that my neices especially don't have much money (my middle neice was a teen mom and her son is now two, but she's living paycheck-to-paycheck while going to school full time), and they spent way more than they probably should have for our LO.

I cried at your story too - I love happy stories like that.

PS - One of my coworkers is one of Jahovah's Witnesses too. She's always great about explaining what their family believes, and sharing their traditions. I know that it's not for me, but I do find it to be very interesting and very misunderstood.