The Day We Met

4 years ago… today. Hard to believe it has already been that long. As we all know time goes by quickly. We always have said in our home it is on hyper speed here with our family. Our eldest just finishing their second year of college and the youngest will complete their Junior year of High School. At this time of year, I always am reminded of the day we met them.

We had been ‘matched’ with the children for a couple weeks before meeting them. Their caseworker wanted them to be closer to the end of school year before introductions were made. We were sent pics of them, a few days before meeting of them, receiving our book we had made of our life here. We also were able to speak with them on the phone. They seemed excited and awkward. It’s weird talking to people you have never met or spoke to.

On the day of our first visit I was an emotional wreck. Memories of our first match with the other children played through my head. Fear of another adoption disruption loomed over me. Was I really even ready for this? The drive seemed to be forever. My husband tried so hard to keep spirits up. He was excited to meet them and discover all their interests. I cried a little before we even got out of the car.

Their caseworker had removed them from school for lunch. We met them at a nearby Taco Bell, a favorite of theirs. Still awkward! We all hurried to order and wait for our food. The oldest got his drink and spilled it everywhere. They were upset about this happening right in front of us. The caseworker watched them closely as their face turned white with fear. The younger one went and told a worker.

As we sat down they devoured their food quickly. We would ask them many questions and they would answer them very differently from one another. The oldest being super serious and the younger one being a goof. After Lunch we followed the caseworker and kids to a nearby lake and park. We walked around it for awhile by ourselves without the caseworker. The kids told us the funniest stories about things they have done at that lake. We just all kept laughing.

After our time was up the caseworker asked us to follow them to the Foster home. There we met the Foster Parents taking care of them, their child, and other foster children as well. Before we had left the kids we took our very first selfie. It is a moment I will never forget. They looked so young. We all looked hopeful.

The drive back home was still long and emotional. Still excited and fearful. When I remember this day, I think of how strong my husband was for us. He is truly the only person in this world I would be going through this with. So glad he saw we were ready to dive back into this or we would have missed being their parents.