Good week
I’ve decided it’s going to be a good week. I just decided that right now. It may be the coffee talking but delusional or not, I hereby state that this week will be one fine week.
My article that was due with Madison is now due mid-June. I am out of the spirit of it and need help getting back in. Rats. I’ve got to figure out a hard-core writing routine because I am determined — hear me? Determined! — to get a book proposal out in the fall. And no, it’s not about adoption.
I talked to J. last night and it made me happy. I get to meet Madison’s birth grandmother next week! I’m so excited to hear about when J. was a baby and also to meet Madison’s aunt, who is a mere child herself. I’ve seen pics and they look a lot alike. I anticipate a joyful yet tearful visit. J. says her mom cries easily.
Madison’s extended birth family were really worried that they would never get to see her or visit. As much as J. reassured them that they would have access in some way, they didn’t really believe it and they were afraid that Brett and I were promising the moon just to get the baby. They’re all very relieved that she will still be a part of their lives.
Think about that. Think about having to say good-bye to your grand-baby or your cousin or your sibling. Think about if you wanted to help but couldn’t. Think about if someone whom you love wasn’t ready to parent and so you had to say good-bye, too.
And yes, for those who want to know, J’s mom is welcome to call herself grandma to Madison. Madison will have my mom — Grandma — and Brett’s mom — Gram Pam — and then whatever she will call J’s mom. Maybe Grandma [insert name here] or maybe some other made-up name.
Dawn, you are so cool
I’m sure you don’t feel like you are doing anything out of the ordinary, but I’m sure J’s family appreciates you immensely. I love reading about your adoption experience, it gives me warm fuzzies.
Have fun during your good week! Oh, and maybe we should be accountability partners. I’m having a hard time keeping up with my writing these days, too.
Yeah, me too. I’m getting there though … what’s the book about?
Thanks for that declaration, because I really need it to be a good week. Perhaps you only meant it for yourself, but I’m going to convert it to universality:
“It will be a Good Week.
Dawn said so!”
While growing up, I called about 6 different women “Grandma” because they were all women who had a special place in our family. I also had about a dozen extra aunts because of the same reason. I think I’m a better person because of all of the wonderful role models I had to follow. As I read more about it, the openess is making more and more sense. Thanks again for sharing.
I’m with you on the “this WILL be a good week” decision. Keepin’ a good thought or whatever.
When my boy was in kindergarten, his teacher started every class by announcing “today will be a wonderful day!” And she meant it!
Large/extended families are wonderful! Madison is a lucky girl, and you guys are lucky to be gaining J’s family. They sound like wonderful people.
I have this vision of my mother and a birth-grandmother in the same room at the same time.
Then, I have this vision of the birth-grandmother telling the baby to: “Call me Gramma!”
Then, my vision reverts to a classic Linda Evans-Joan Collins, Dallas-like physical battle of the grandmothers, wherein my mother reaches for the birth-grandmother’s hair, and all hell breaks loose.
Note to self: if Marie and I decide on open adoption, don’t mix the birth and adoptive grandparents.
Growing up, I had three sets of grandparents. My biological sets and a set that took my mother in when she moved here from Mexico. They always counted me as a grandchild. When my mom remarried, her in laws now consider both my husband and I grandchildren. Our new daughter is never going to remember all these grandparents and great grandparents, but it feels wonderful to know you have so many people who CARE. Kudos to you for giving that to Madison.
Good Day, Good Week
Dawn has declared this a Good Week…or else? And her post made me smile, thinking of coley’s daily proclamation of “Ahhhh…what a beautiful day!” first thing upon waking. I’ve mentioned this before, and I’ve been sort of wondering where he…
We have an open relationship with Gina’s birth parents .. my mom and dad thought it was foolish. Well, I have a niece who lost her 3 children through CPS in CA .. parental rights are now terminated, and they are being adopted by someone outside of the family (long story there) .. my mom is heart broken because she will no longer have the chance to see her great grandchildren. She and my dad no longer think it is foolish for me to have an open relationship with Gina’s bparents .. and also no longer think its foolish to wish we had one with CJ’s.
I think it is fantastic that you are willing to have that relationship with Madison’s bfamily.
Oh, and I agree, this IS going to be a GREAT week!!