The day my son's adoptive mom sent me a video of his first steps

It was a Tuesday morning in April, I was just getting my coffee when the notification popped up. She wrote 'thought you'd want to see this' with a 30 second clip. Seeing him wobble across their living room rug in Chicago, I cried for a solid hour, but they were good tears. It was the first time I really felt like part of his life, not just a memory. Has anyone else had a moment like that, where a small thing from the adoptive family just hit you right in the heart?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_hugo29d ago

derekgibson that line about "not just a name on paper" hit me hard man. Seeing that video must have been like getting a postcard from a planet you thought you'd never visit. I got one once from my kid's mom, a photo of him trying to eat a crayon, and I had to hide in a supply closet for ten minutes pretending I was looking for a specific shingle sample. My guys still give me crap about it, "Boss you were crying over a picture of a toddler with a blue face." It's crazy how those little moments can fold you up like a lawn chair.

loganthompson1mo ago

My sister adopted her daughter and sent me a picture of the kid covered in spaghetti sauce. I was supposed to be showing a house but I got all choked up in the driveway. Had to pretend I had allergies so the clients wouldn't see me getting emotional over my phone. It's amazing how those little updates can make you feel connected from miles away.

derekgibson1mo ago

Wow, that video must have meant the world. It's those simple, honest moments that really show how much they see you as part of the family, not just a name on paper. @loganthompson, I get that, having to hide your reaction in a work moment. Does it change how you think about your own role now, getting these little pieces of his life?