An anniversary of new family

Last night, I was doing what I try to make a monthly ritual. Yes, it was the night to call our daughter’s former foster parents, now known to her as Abuelo Leonel and Abuela Betty. I was feeling guilty because I was a week or two late for the call and it’s always a great pleasure to catch up with them and tell them all about how Isabel has learned new things (and to keep my Spanish functional).

Half way through my call, my wife Sheila came out onto the porch and not realizing whom I was talking to, coincidentally mentioned that I needed to give Betty a call. We all got a laugh about how great minds think alike and Betty felt great knowing that even though she doesn’t speak to Sheila much (language barrier), Sheila still makes sure Betty remains active in our daughter’s life.

A few minutes later it dawned on me… It was July 6th. Was that the date? (imagine fingers counting dates and remembering itineraries). Yes, it was! Yesterday was exactly two years to the day that we first met Betty, her son Alberto, and of course our little angel Isabel. It was exactly two years ago that we discovered our family would grow not by one, but by sixteen! There was Isabel, Betty, Leonel, their kids Karla, Alberto, Maria Alejandra, Pepe, Francisco and Monica, and I could of course go on to spouses, grandchildren, and even girlfriends that all became family to us.

When we started the adoption process and planned our first visit, we never imagined what we would find – that our Isabel had a large extended family in Guatemala that loved her far more than just being temporary caretakers. And we never realized that all these people would remain so close to us.

So once again I tell this tale as a reminder to those who don’t believe children keep ties to their birth country. I tell this tale as an inspiration to those who need to push their agencies and attorneys to allow them the chance to have the adoption process be more than a nuisance. I tell this tale to show those that wish to end foster care why it can be so wonderful. But mostly, I tell this tale as way to once again thank these wonderful people and reminisce on a trip that was predestined to be memorable, but ended being more than we could have imagined.