The day finally arrived to go to the airport and meet Lisa and her father. I remember seeing Rob walk down the corridor, and since I had seen him in pictures and talked to him often over the years, it seemed pretty normal. Then, back a few feet, I saw Lisa. I felt stunned to finally see her in the flesh. It was a hot and muggy August Virginia day, and she was overdressed (remember, even in the summer, it is not unusual to need a jacket in San Francisco) We all greeted and hugged, then Lisa joked that she needed to go somewhere and get some cooler clothes. We went to a nearby mall. and she and Jacqueline went off to shop. The three adults stood back and watched as they walked away. They walked EXACTLY the same. Both soon reappeared, complained that 1. the mall was mostly winter clothes now, and 2. what they had was over-priced. SO, off we headed to Wal-mart for some shorts and t-shirts.
Some of our family came in to visit, as did some of our friends. Our house was small, so Lisa and Robert stayed at a nearby hotel at night, and spent the rest of the time at our house. It never felt awkward, just amazing. We took them around Roanoke and showed them the sights.
Finally the day arrived to go to church. Everyone was very gracious. During the service, we have a part called "Joys and Celebrations" It is a time to share something good that has happened that week. Rob stood up and took the microphone, and began to talk about what an experience the whole process had been, and what a blessing it was. Talk about surreal!
Since then, we have visited back and forth. A friend and I stayed with Lisa and her family went we went to a Virginia Tech bowl game in San Francisco. Then, we spent a two week vacation in SF a few years ago, and stayed at Rob's apartment. Lisa has visited out here again as well, and when I got deathly ill last year, Lisa and Rob flew out to spend a week with me at the hospital.
I know I must be missing stuff, so if you have questions, feel free to ask. Just know that it has been an incredible and wonderful journey, and that we have been blessed to have Lisa, and to have her in our lives.
Let me know your thoughts.
have a blessed day!
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Thanks for sharing this. Have known you for a long time but didn't know this. It is a very awesome story. It does take me back to when you and Vicki first got married and enjoyed coming to the house and playing with Joy so much.
ReplyDeleteA great story. I hope you had a great Easter and that you are feeling well!
ReplyDeleteWow. What an amazing story. Were tears shed when you first met? How about when she visited you when you were so sick? I have probably a zillion questions, but will just ask you in person if we ever have that reunion.
ReplyDeleteI think it's just an amazing story, your whole life is actually.
Anthony, you and Vicki's decision showed such courage and love. I cried as I read the account thinking how hard it had to be for Vicky to give up her baby, not that it wasn't hard for you but
ReplyDeletethere is a special bond between Mother and child. How wonderful it was an open adoption and you are able to be part of each others lives. God Bless. Charlotte Myers