One day with three reasons to celebrate.
September 21st, 1968: I made my entrance in to this world in a small town in Southwest Louisiana. My reasons to celebrate this day have changed in the last few years. In addition to increasing the number that describes how long its been since I was born, it is a day to be thankful for the two daughters who have called me "mom."
September 21st, 1994: "Amanda Lynn" entered this world in a small town in Lapeer, Michigan. When they handed her to me at 4 months old, I loved her immediately. When they told me her birthday, I knew she was mine. I knew the reason for all of those years of infertility were so we would open our hearts to other options. I remember every detail about the day we first met her. She was wearing the most adorable pair of denim overalls and had a head full of crazy curly hair. She no longer lives in our house, and now calls us Aunt and Uncle, but she will always be a part of our family and have a place in our "home." I earned my mommy stripes with her and nothing changes that! When people ask how many kids we have, I say "three," but then take a moment to acknowledge her in my heart. She is always there.
September 21st, 2007: Samantha Jo White became Samantha Jo Fulenwider in a small courtroom in Wichita, Kansas. The phone call you get when someone says "come get this baby," is not one you ever forget. November 2003: I was sitting at work with no idea of how my life was about to change. A series of phone calls, an urgent plea for time off work, and less than 24 hours later, I was on my way to Arkansas to "get that baby." Three years later, we were notified that on September 21st, a judge had granted our petition for adoption.
September 21st! Our special day!! Three lives not bound by blood, but connected with an eternal bond. I can't think of a better way to celebrate my birthday than to celebrate two incredible girls who I get to call "mine."
A perfect day to reflect on the journey, and to be thankful that even though Big Daddy was not sure how it would go, he opened his heart and trusted my mantra that it would be ok. It only took him about .5 seconds to love them too!
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5 comments:
This might be the most beautiful story I have ever heard...thanks for sharing.
Wow, that IS a special day for you. You are a good writer, Elainne!
I remembered that Amanda's birthday & Samantha's adoption were on the same date, but didn't remember that it was your birthday too! That is an amazing & wonderful story that will get to be forever and always special to and your girls!
On a personal note, I still remember the day you got the call about Samantha too. I remember thinking that this was the kind of situation you don't even pack a bag for, just get in the car & drive as quickly as possible to that baby! With my 2 yrs experience of working in private adoptions, I also figured you would not be concentrating on driving at all, but purely focusing on baby, baby, baby! How can I help?...go with! (If I could get my boss to give me the time off - hehe!) I remember my heart's concern that it was such a risky venture on your part, not knowing Debbie's long-term intentions for Samantha, but also knowing that in your shoes I would have jumped in with both feet too! I'm so glad that everything worked out for all of you and that Sept 21st marked her official, legal connection to your family, but we all know that was never needed to make her yours too!
I love that you were able to go with me and drive us home :) I think Byron was too much in shock to realize what was really happening!
Always remembering all 3 of you on your special day, even if I am not so good at the keeping in touch regularly thing... love and hugs
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