It’s a snark-free post this time. I promise it won’t happen too often. I don’t want to ruin my reputation.
But Friday, 11/11/11 is a big day in my family. It’s Adoption Day. Our 20th.
You see, on November 11, 1991, my husband John and I adopted our son, Jacob. He was 3-1/2 months old at the time. Jacob was born in Chile, and John and I literally traveled to the end of the earth to turn a happy couple into a happier three-some. It was on 11/11 when the Chilean court approved us and said, yes, Elyse and John, “You’re Parents!”
For years, I’ve told Jacob that I knew something was up with that number. As a teenager, I was fixated on 11:11. I got a clock radio for my 16th birthday – it was an old-fashioned “digital” clock, with numbers that literally flipped on a carousel. Every night I waited until 11:11 before I could go to sleep, no matter how tired I was. I’ve always told Jacob that, even though I didn’t know what it meant then, well, my heart obviously knew that 11:11 meant something. Something big.
But I didn’t know just how big or just how wonderful.
Because 11/11 = Jacob. Our son, my baby, our boy, our young man. Our hilariously funny, nutty, astute guy. Our pride and joy. Jacob, you continue to delight, amuse and inspire us. We love you, Peanut.
My favorite picture: Jacob and his puppy Charlie in the leaves
And don’t worry, Kiddo. Nobody you know reads this blog!
Fantastic! Happy 11-11-11 to you all.
Thanks Nancy!
That’s the most beautiful picture of a child and a dog I’ve ever seen. Happy Adoption Day to you and John and Jacob. Love to you all!
Quite a compliment, coming from a confirmed cat person! Thanks!
Happy 11/11/11…I love this post
Thanks, and Happy 11/11/11 to you, too!
Happy 11/11 to you all. Enjoy celebrating such a happy occasion!
Thanks, Paprika!
I love, love your story about waiting for 11:11 and 11-11. Your photograph is precious, capturing one glorious moment in time. Best wishes to your whole family on this occasion.
Thanks Georgette! It’s nice to write something without any sarcasm at all!
What a great story. Life is heart warming, complicated and deep. Making connections across the expanse of a life. Living in my own skin I don’t even understand all the implications of my own experiences. That’s why I love blogging. Helps you at least try to reason it out.
Thanks so much! I guess everything is far more intertwined than we realize — but it’s fun to discover those connections.
I agree, writing a blog, and reading other ones has helped me look at all sorts of things more broadly!
Happy A Day Jacob!
Les
Thanks Les! Happy 11-11-11 to you.
I will forward it on to him once he gets over his embarrassment that I wrote this piece!
Happy Adoption Day to you all! Great post.
Thanks! It was a great celebration!
Very sweet reading, Elyse, thank you!
HI again Aurora! Thanks for coming back and sharing a little bit of my story!
We are a missionary family in Chile and also parents through adoption. I loved reading Jacob’s story!
Thanks, Stephanie, I bet you have some wonderful ones as well! I look forward to checking out your blog.
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We adopted our daughter from Chile when she was 2 months old. She’s now 22 years old. When she was real young anytime someone said they were going to eat Chili, she yelled, “Chile! I’M from Chile!”
Russ
Oh yes, I remember Jacob doing that too!
Thanks for reading all my old stuff!
Happy to do it, Elyse. It’s NEW to me! ;-D!
Russ
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Their smiles say it all – the unique love of family! Happy 11/11 to you all.
Thanks Cortney!
Happy Adoption Day! That photo is beyond sweet. 11/11 is the magic number for you guys.
Thanks, Darla. It’s my very favorite picture of my very favorite former kid now grownup guy. (Jacob was afraid of the leaves until Charlie reassured him. The picture is NOT posed. Charlie was a cuddler!
This photo is awesome. Wishing you all many more happiness, togetherness and joy.
Coming from you, I take that as high praise indeed, Arindam!