05 May 2010

Day One

Some joke, that post title. Day One, my eye! It's Day Six Thousand and Something, at least. Maybe Seven Thousand Plus. But I suppose it is Day One in a sense, since today's the day we signed our names and laid our money down, so far down. By tomorrow we'll have an official file—after I go in the morning to stand in line at the Social Security office and get a replacement card, then I will drop off a photocopy to LDSFS. And our initial paperwork will be complete.

Now that we've made it through our orientation/intake meeting, the sickness I've been feeling begins to melt away. Might take another day or two to feel normal, but it's better than it has been for several days. As soon as the meeting was over we went for ice cream at The Creamery on 9th and overdosed on sugar. Not too smart, but it was right there, and both of us were in the mood for some emotional eating.

The meeting was run by two social workers from the agency. We were there just one hour but covered a lot of ground. I am still having something like an out-of-body experience as we go through this process. Is this happening? Is this real? It felt real enough at home when I was scrambling for some addresses for our references at the last minute. We were undoubtedly the oldest couple there at the meeting. Ha. We might have been able to adopt a few of the young hopeful parents present. Should have thought to ask.

When it was time to hand over a check to the secretaries in a different part of the office, I said, "We're here to make a downpayment on a person," and the two mild women at the computers laughed and laughed. "We've never heard that one before!" And after we made the transaction, they smiled and said, "Congratulations, you two!" as if we were walking out with our child right then.

Twice I heard a social worker telling some couple that adoptive parents have been chosen as soon as three days after being approved. While I'm sure that's true, it's a crazy thing to have to hear when you're just starting. It's too easy for hopes to rise too high too fast. I won't be a pessimist though; you never know. But I do imagine it's very likely Rob and I will have to wait longer to be chosen than some younger couples.

The thing I keep saying to myself is God's hand will be in this, whatever the result. I have great confidence in him to help us find the right souls to receive into our family. I mean, hey, if the hand of Providence was kind enough to bring the two of us together, then why not kind some more in continuing to bring together the right people at the right time? A precedent's been set. I'm not afraid to put my faith in that kindness. (That doesn't prevent me from feeling the wait and the mystery in my stomach though.)

Chris and Amy came by this evening to show us their sweet rides: terrific new bikes. I shared the Day One report with them. It's nice to not be keeping this a secret anymore. While they were visiting, another set of dear ones (who shall remain nameless till they're ready to reveal their own secret) came by... to tell us they're pregnant with #1. After a few rounds of bear hugs and big hurrahs, I shared our own family-growing news with them, and we were all happy for each other. Nothing's certain at this point for either of our families, of course, but it's good to be on the road, traveling.

And now, I'm pooped. Time for sleeps, time to head for tomorrow.

11 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh Georgia... I'm so happy for the both of you. Thanks for sharing. I loved reading and looking forward to more news. You are in my prayers.
Love from both Jon and I...~Susie

Carina said...

I am riveted to this story.

Geo said...

Susie, thanks for making "happy" the first word out of your mouth, rather than "crazy." ; ) And thanks for the love and prayers. It would be terrific to see you guys again.

AzĂșcar, you're a lucky presence in my life, in more ways then just this.

Bek said...

You did it!! The paperwork can be daunting. The homestudy process is a great opportunity to figure out exactly what your patenting style is and the parameters of what kind of child you feel you can raise ( because they have you fill out a huge packet about that). It's a slog but worth it.

I love this story. You are on your way! My friend Angie lives in Provo and has adopted three little ones through ldsfs. I'll send you her info. Just so you know-- among many of use adoptive moms, no question is off limits whenit comesto researching adoption. PLEASE ask anything you want ( to me anyway).

Rynell said...

I'm stopping by to tell you that adoption is divine, sacred even. I'm so happy to have been adopted. I'll be praying for you.

Wendy said...

I'm on pins and needles for you. The process can be so laborious, but the rewards are too wonderful for words. I'm so grateful we were able to adopt.

Kalli said...

I can't even imagine how emotionally exhausting this process is. I'm so excited though, wait or not!

Geo said...

I'm only now realizing the great number of friends I know whose lives have been touched by adoption. I never took a headcount before. It's really inspiring! I want to hear every single story.

Thanks to all all all of you for your excitement and support. It means more than the world to me.

mirjam said...

Crying in the car over my phone. Oh, the joy! I must come by and kiss you and tell you a strange dream I had about you.

Jamie said...

YAY! I am so excited, I've stopped giving the last of my fave baby things away because I want to save them for this golden child! I was worried for you for a minute when Rich's Aunt told me she was turned away from LDSSS back in the 80s cuz they has some rule about adoptive parents' combined ages couldn't be over 80-??? WHAT? I am glad that's not true. YAY.

Geo said...

Mirjam, your kisses and dreams are most welcome here!

James, though we do now make an octogenarian, Rob and I have not been banned by LDSFS from making the attempt. Hey, they'll take anyone they can get! ; ) So glad to live in an age of enlightenment!

Weird to think I may eventually be in the market for hand-me-downs (ups?).