Regarding Tess

It’s a complicated thing, this thing called adoption. Complicated because you spend so much energy wondering about questions that may be asked or perhaps will never even be thought of. I mean, here we are, sitting in a hotel in the heart of one of the most intriguing places on the face of the earth. We traveled to the other side of the globe to bring home a baby girl that we have never laid eyes upon, but love and are drawn toward so deeply. We sit in our hotel, walk the streets, greet and talk to strangers, all in the act of seeking Tess.

What questions will we face from her and others throughout our lives? What do we have to offer that is so special? Will she love us? Many questions we have talked about but do not want to discuss with others. We question and re-question and we keep moving forward. We know Tess will be home when she is with us.

Basically, the impact of being here and the emotions surrounding the reason we are here are overwhelming to say the very least. The atmosphere of the city is intense, both attractive and heart-breaking. The travel here was energizing and exhausting. Knowing after three years of working and waiting we are 48 hours away from picking up our daughter sets off unbelievable emotions. And to be honest with you, the one thing that is keeping us grounded inside this hurricane is Henry. He is weaving his way through this with steadfastness and perseverance. Maybe it’s the fact that he is four and that four year olds adapt to many circumstances much easier than 34 and 40 year olds (sorry Ellen). Seriously, he has been amazing. I keep saying that, but I really can’t say it enough.

And he is soooo ready to pick up Tess. Every time we walk out the door he asks if we are going to pick her up. “In two days” we say. “Two days?!?!” he says with a pout.