Wednesday, April 02, 2008

How He Became Our Son, Part II

If you missed the first installment, you can find it here.

"Your sister's in jail and you need to come get him."

I was at work--in my new office. I took a deep breath and thought for a moment.

I have to tell the hubs. He's NOT going to believe this. How could she be so stupid?I just started this job two weeks ago. How do I explain that I need
to take a day off already? How much do I share with my boss? How do I
explain that I'm going to be a parent?


My new firm was small. They appeared to be a family, but who ever really knows in those circumstances. I decided that laying it out there was my best approach. I knew there were going to be tons of adjustments and they needed to understand what was going on.

But were they going to be okay with this? I mean seriously
I just started this job.


Thankfully, my boss was amazing. Turns out he had a brother who was a bit of a "challenge" himself and he completely understood my situation.

Honestly, what happened next is a blur to this day. I don't remember packing or going to the airport or even the plane ride home. I just remember getting off the plane and seeing him.

He was so little. He was so adorable. He had no idea what was going on.

The hubs and I had started dating the same year he was born, so he knew us both well. I was his god mother and we spent all the time we could with him whenever we were at my parents. We knew he'd be okay with us, but how were we going to explain that he was getting on a plane and coming to live with us--for how long we had no idea.

With my sister's MS, my nephew was accustomed to her being hospitalized from time to time. We decided that the best approach for now was to tell him that she was sick and couldn't take care of him so he was coming to stay with us for a while.

In reality, we had no idea what was going to happen. We didn't have a lot of details about her arrest, about the process of hearings, about sentencing. Honestly, we didn't have much experience with this, though enough that my parents had finally reached their breaking point and refused to post bail (and I was completely behind their decision). We just had no idea how long he'd be living with us. Three years? Five years? Her attorney thought it would be in that neighborhood.

The hubs had stayed behind to get things ready for our little guy's arrival. I didn't know what to tell him we'd need. My mom was getting his clothes and some favorite books and toys together. But what did we need at our house? I left it to my husband to figure it out.

When I came home Sunday evening I brought with me one huge bag and one little guy. What had the hubs gotten to get our house ready? A super-sized box of outlet covers.

Oh yeah, we were prepared.


47 Deserve Mamma's Love:

jodifur said...

Can not wait to read part 3.

Janice @ Mom On The Run said...

Wow - you've got me on the edge of my seat - I can't wait to read the next post!

Anonymous said...

WOW. More soon, please!

Unknown said...

this is seriously amazing. Remind me how old he was?

Nancy said...

I got goose bumps .... but all in a good way feeling.

"outlet covers" That just makes me smile.

I look forward to part III

Anonymous said...

Good stuff! I wondered, when you mentioned that on Friday, how I had missed this story before ....

Loralee Choate said...

Pt 2 has me on the edge of my seat as much as part 1

Anonymous said...

There better not me as much time in between this one and the next part as there was last time. You're killing me!

Oh, and outlet covers? That was awesome.

Maureen said...

Wow. Incredible, I had no idea... love the way Hubs was prepared. About the same as most men, I see!

Can't wait for more.

Unknown said...

What the hell?? Why must I wait for part three? Argh.

And I thoroughly enjoyed the phrase "Holy shit on a cracker." Just wanted to tell you that.

Anonymous said...

This is really great...bring on Part III

Velma said...

Outlet covers are a start, I guess... can't wait to read the rest!

Anonymous said...

You continue to be my hero.

Beth said...

You were prepared - you loved the little guy. Everything else was secondary to that.

Paige Jennifer said...

When my sister was visiting with her two kids for all of a week, I prepared the house flawlessly - one gigantic box of Goldfish and a DVD of Wonder Pets. End scene.

Oh, and there's this ridiculously awesome blogirl I know. I lurv her to pieces. Anyway, she always claims that she's a so-so writer. And I just wanted to tell her (cough, you) - bullshit.

xoxo

The Laundress said...

I am so intrigued by your story!!!

You are amazing. And so is Hubs.

Anonymous said...

What a great story! Love the suspense you build!!

Kellyology said...

Fantastic so far! Can't wait for part III.

L said...

Oh my gosh. A box of outlet covers. Yep, that's a man for you.
At least he wanted him to be safe from electricity. *wink*

I'm looking forward to the next post too.

flutter said...

This makes me love you more than I already do. I wish I could articulate the reasons why

Julie Pippert said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Julie Pippert said...

(Sorry, too many typos) That you saw and loved him straightaway...and that you both just accepted the situation...him. Heartwarming. Can't wait for rest.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful story.

As for preparedness, well...outside of our ability to love, are any of us really ever prepared beyond the outlet covers and such?

I would argue no. But the love? The love that you show in this post is a great place to start.

It's all you can hope for, right?

XO,
Ivy Brown

Queen of the Mayhem said...

I'm with everybody else....I can't wait to hear more! AND...if it's possible...I love you more each installment. How lucky this little boy was (and is) to have you and the hubs in his life!

Mom O Matic said...

This is a great story because I already know the happy ending is you!

C. said...

Truth? Are we EVER prepared for something like that? I know I wasn't. (hugs)

Jen said...

I hope that he reads this someday - this is a real tear-jerker.

And I smile at the outlet covers thing, too.

*sniff*

Jeff and Charli Lee said...

Awesome. We inherited a "bonus child" recently, but only for less than a year. Still, it was a wonderful experience. Can't wait for the finale!

Anonymous said...

oh wow... what a wild ride so far!

Ruth Dynamite said...

Cheese and crackers, Mamma! No doubt you rose to the occasion like the star you are. More please!

Savvy Auntie Melanie Notkin said...

I want to read more... can't wait for the next installment.

Lizarita said...

Addicted to this series now. Can't wait to hear ore. And BLESS you and your husband for doing such a great thing.

Chicky said...

I have been enjoying this SO much!

I have been reading your blog for awhile, and I figured since we are twitter buddies and all, I thought I would tell you how much I enjoy your writing. Thanks for sharing this story!
xo
~Deanna

Cathy, Amy and Kristina said...

This is wonderful -- keep writing!!

Kimberly said...

Amazing as always. Love this story.

Angie [A Whole Lot of Nothing] said...

Holy Mamma - Keep going on this story!

Day Dreamer said...

Just read both parts...wow.

Bet I'll be tuning in for part three!!!....

Gwen said...

Thanks so much for not posting Part II until I got back; I'm sure you did that just for me! (don't worry, I'm not really that narcissistic) Outlet covers is a start, I guess. Looking forward to seeing what's next.

Grim Reality Girl said...

Okay wow. Could you hurry up and write the next installment??? I'm on the edge of my seat and hate waiting!!!

"Outlet covers -- where it all starts."

Yeah, you can use that for the book.

:-)

Unknown said...

Part 3? Where's part 3? I came here for Part 3. I WANT MY PART 3!

Yup. I'm impatient.

Unknown said...

I'm enjoying reading this. Can't wait for part 3!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful narrative of what must have been a very trying time in your life. You are a strong, amazing person with the greatest capacity for love. Everyone around you is lucky to have you there. What heart!!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Jenny, the Bloggess said...

More! Now!

Stacey said...

I'm so glad you're sharing your story. I'm eager to read part three of this amazing journey!

Anonymous said...

Just read I & II. Loved.

Need III now. thanksbai

Lawyer Mama said...

I'm so excited to read this story, Amie. For some reason I've been hesitant to ask you about your sister even though I know a bit from reading your blog. Feel free to smack me for being stupid.

I love what your hubs did to prepare! That made me smile. And cry a little. And then smile again. Because I know how it ends (so far) and that's amazing.