*Author’s note: If this post seems familiar to you, know that I’m not doing reruns. I am entering a contest sponsored by A Child’s Hope Adoption Services about adoption stories. I started with this post, but needed to chop it down to 500 words. Brevity is not always a strong suit, but I’m happy with how this turned out.
* * *
A year ago, life sucked.
A lot.
My wife’s busy season at work means sixty hour weeks, and full-time daddy duty with our three year old Jamie. Busy days. Short nights. Lots of stress.
We’re also two months removed from a failed adoption. The pain is still raw.
Our agency says we could get a call any day, but my hopes aren’t up. I’ve switched off the pain until Michelle’s work settles down.
Michelle isn’t so lucky. She naturally wears her heart on her sleeve. Sixty hour weeks plus guilt from being away from Jamie doesn’t help.
Michelle sends me two emails. She said she was crying in the bathroom over a co-worker’s baby shower.
The second reads:
“Not getting better. Can I cry? Walk out? Come back in a week?”
Today is Friday, March 9, 2012.
* * *
Jamie is at Grandma’s this weekend. I need the break, and time with Michelle. I know she’s struggling.
We take time to rest and recharge. We sleep in and go out to eat.
Today is Saturday, March 10.
* * *
We pick up Jamie. We missed her – our rock through the failed adoption. She’s so ready to be a sister.
We head home towards another hectic week.
Meanwhile, a woman is admitted to an Orlando hospital.
Today is Sunday, March 11.
* * *
I head to work for another forgettable Monday. Around 4:00, Michelle calls. I hear excitement for the first time in weeks.
“How would you feel about a son?”
She explains: a mom wants to place her newborn son. Placement would be tomorrow. In Orlando.
Dazed, I head home. Michelle tells her boss she’s out for 12 weeks, starting tomorrow.
Over dinner, we discuss the situation. It takes two minutes. This is our son.
Today is Monday, March 12, 2012.
* * *
We spend the evening in controlled chaos. Booking travel, finding non-pink items from our baby girl stuff. Packing, packing, packing.
Michelle asks about a name. We had a girl name, but nothing for a boy.
I reply, “What about Cameron?”
Michelle likes Cameron. I like Cameron. Our son has a name.
We just need to go get him.
* * *
Four hours of sleep, but I’m not looking for the snooze button. We’re meeting our son today.
We get dressed and load the car. Jamie doesn’t know what’s happening, but she loves an adventure. She’s wearing the “Big Sister” shirt we bought to announce our last match.
In the car, Michelle calls our agency. The birth mom can sign relinquishment papers today. We won’t leave until they’re signed.
A big smile from Michelle, and we’re off to the airport.
* * *
After a long day of travel, we leave the airport and go to the hospital.
We meet our caseworker, and review a mountain of papers. I know they serve a purpose, but I can only think of Cameron. I’d sign anything to see him.
Finally, its time.
We meet our Cameron.
Today is Tuesday, March 13, 2012.
Life has improved greatly.
Feit Can Write 
2 Comments
I will always love this…each and every time I hear the story!!
Having three failed adoptions in four years, I love to hear about anyone that didn’t give up