Balloons float happily above our mailbox. They announce, “It’s a Boy.” Some of our neighbors will certainly be scratching their heads.
The crib is assembled and is in your room. We only ever called it the “other bedroom” until we got word that you were coming to us. Now it’s “Max’s room.”
No need to call Grandmother or Grandad, or anyone else in the family. They already know that today is the day, and they all will soon come to joyfully welcome you — the long-awaited addition to the family.
The car seat is assembled to its precise specifications and is strapped in the back seat of the car. On the way back from the agency Mom will sit beside you, cooing and connecting. You will look at the world around you. Everything is new. Everything is about to begin.
You latch on to Mom’s eyes and she smiles as you smile. We will discover that smiles come easy to you.
I drive the car. Today I am the safest driver on planet Earth.
From the back seat Mom describes every expression you make so I’m not alone up here at the steering wheel. Mom’s considerate like that.
Still, I can’t help but be in my own head. We’ve had years to prepare. We’ve read countless books and have absorbed the stories and experiences of many wise people. Yesterday we knew all the ins and outs of what you need and what it takes to care for a baby … but here in the car, in my own head, I am convinced I don’t know anything at all.
At home, baby toys and crib mobiles and baby strollers await — along with jars of baby food and baby swings and rocking chairs and soft swaddling blankets. The list goes on.
On this August morning in 1995, I am not thinking about thirty years from now. I have no way of knowing the man that the tiny baby in the back seat will become: Committed to his family, generous to his fellow human beings, invaluable at his job, creating a beautiful home life alongside his incredible wife.
Nor am I thinking about what happens in all the years in between: First words, first steps, flash cards, straight A’s, a brother, ice hockey, college, road trips across the country.
I can’t know any of that as we complete our drive home from the adoption agency and begin our life together. The only thing I can do is try and measure up and trust that the three of us will discover how to do all this stuff the right way. All I know at this moment is that there is more love contained in this car than I ever thought possible.
Beautiful! Your email note was at the top of my email list so I read it first. A perfect way to start the week. Thank you! Does Max have a birthday in August too?
Thanks so much for being a faithful reader and for your always-kind words, David. Max was born in June, moved in (😁) in August. Exactly 30 years ago today. Hello to all!
The beauty of the day – and of Max – are clear in my mind. How lucky are we to have a son to make our family complete. Loving, caring, intelligent and wise – that is Max. The moment Max entered the house changed everything! A lifetime of stories and adventures and love. And the adventures continue 🩷 I love you Max!
So very precious and beautifully written. David, thanks for sharing this with all of us !!!
Love, Don and Liz
Oh David, that was wonderful!!! I can remember the day, we were so excited. Yes, as everyone has said, you are such a good writer. You can put emotions into words. It was a pleasure to read and the whole time I was reading it, I kept saying “awwwww” and “make me weak”.
Thank you!
Helen (your favorite sister)
A wonderful, beautifully written story. Thanks for sharing, David!