Several people have asked me to share more about our adoption story. Since February is the month when we celebrate his Gotcha Day (the anniversary of when he moved into my home), I thought this would be an ideal time to share that story, especially since Paris figures it into how we became a family.
Editor’s note: I have Tigger’s permission to share the personal parts of his own story.
In 2004, I moved to Texas to do my chaplain residency at Scott & White. It was the first time in my life I had really done something just for myself. While there I ended up making a significant change in my life and activity level and began my endorphin addiction.
Once I graduated from the program, I moved outside of Denver, Colorado where I began a job as a hospice chaplain. Colorado is a perfect place for outdoor activities, and I continued working toward my goal of running my 1st marathon.
I also made a friend who was a single dad of a young man he had adopted when the lad was a teenager. We discussed how easy it is in Colorado for a single gay parent to adopt, and I began seriously considering it.
However, as I began traveling and continued running, I decided to wait longer before adopting. I felt like I needed more time to live life for myself, something I had only recently begun to do. I was only in my late 30s, so I still had time. I knew I needed to do these other things first.
During my marathon training, I discovered Paris Marathon was coming up in the spring. While I had always wanted to be in Paris on my birthday, I couldn’t resist the temptation to both go to Paris AND run its marathon. The combination was just too cool.
Paris was my first overseas trip (I had been to Central and South America only), and my first time being in Europe. I walked around amazed at everything. Being raised in the States, I was in constant awe at buildings that were hundreds of years older than my home country.
I explored Paris like a mad man. I made myself dizzy running up the narrow, circular, smooth stairs leading to the top of Sacre Couer. By the time I made it to the Louvre, I was so done on museums, I walked through the halls containing the paintings of the Italian masters at a quick pace, my head swiveling from side to side, barely glancing at the masterpieces.
On my last night in Paris, I decided to treat myself to a special dinner. Having run the Seine and walked past it so many times over the week, I was not interested in a river cruise dinner and instead opted to head back up the Eiffel Tower to have dinner in the restaurant Altitude 91.
It was a fantastic dinner. Honestly, the best of my life. I started with a fruit and cheese plate, followed by a dinner of kite prepared in a beurre blanc sauce, topped off with an amazing chocolate souffle for dessert.
After my exquisite meal, I sat looking out over nighttime Paris skyline while sipping a kir royale. I was suddenly overcome by the most intense feeling of joy at life I had ever experienced up to that point. A tear broke free from my eye, and as it ran down my cheek a thought came to me so strongly it was almost like a voice—You’ve done what you needed to do. You’re ready to adopt now.
I came home the next day and phoned the adoption recruiter. The mandatory 8-week training class was actually starting that very night.
“Oh darn! I wish I had known, I would’ve signed up,” I said.
“You still can. Just call and leave a voicemail that you’re coming.”
And so I began my classes. Less than 4 months later, my first child moved into my home. After a year, I felt like someone was missing from our family, and at the end of 2007 I began the search for my second child.
In order to increase exposure for “harder to place” children, there are some websites that prospective parents can visit to learn more about waiting children. For those of us in Colorado, the best two are AdoptUSKids.org and The Adoption Exchange. (We’re actually a featured family for AdoptUsKids.org.)
It was through The Adoption Exchange, that I discovered Tigger. He was considered a special needs adoption because he was both over 5 years of age (he was 6), and they were trying to place him with his next older brother, H (a sibling group is automatically considered a special needs adoption). I sent off an inquiry and within a couple of months we had the green light to become a family.
I had prepared photo albums for the boys to give them information about their new family. In describing their new dad, I had photos of my adventurous side (running ultra marathons, kayaking with alligators), which, of course, included travel. In that section, I had some photos of Paris and labeled it as “Dad’s favorite city.” When his caseworker visited with him to let him know he would soon be meeting his new family, he was given the photo album.
I still remember the first day I met Tigger. He was this cute, blonde ball of nervous energy. I met him at his foster home. He would run in, say several indecipherable words and run off again.
Because of severe emotional neglect from his biological family, he had a significant speech impediment. When he first came into care he was 4 and couldn’t speak. They thought he had autism. Once he was getting attention and love, he started making rapid progression, so they knew this was not the case. Even though he had some speech therapy at school, I could still barely understand half of what he said, though.
During his first overnight stay with me, he would discover that I would take care of him when he awoke at 2 AM with a stomach virus and was vomiting. I remember being awoken by the noise followed by the most pitiful-sounding utterance of “Daaaadddddd?” I had ever heard.
They moved in with me in February 2008. Unfortunately, the brothers had never lived together before so the social worker was unaware that they shared a trauma bond (basically, when they are together, the other brother relives trauma that was experienced the last time they were together). H ended up having a psychotic break within a week and was hospitalized. It was so severe that the decision was made to not pursue placing the brothers together anymore.
I secured a private speech therapist for Tigger, and his speech started rapidly improving. He continued to be a sweet, caring kid with a remarkable ability for compassion that was somewhat unusual for someone his age. Especially considering the neglect he had suffered during his important developing years.
By November, we were in the court building during National Adoption Day being declared a forever family (which we celebrate as Forever Day every year). Less than 2 weeks later, we were doing our first big road trip. Tigger’s life had changed drastically, but neither one of us could anticipate what other changes were about to unfold within the next two years.
Going to Paris the second time with my son was an incredible feeling. Tigger had remembered those photos and my affinity for the City of Lights and had been wanting to go to Paris ever since he saw the photo album for the first time. Prior to his 5th anniversary of moving in with me, we set foot in my favorite city.
“Where would you like to go first?” I asked the next morning.
“The skyscraper.” Some further questioning revealed he was referring to the Eiffel Tower, which had been a prominent photo in his album.
We headed for the famous landmark, and while we rode the elevator in the impressive structure, I told Tigger about my experience almost 7 years prior, the night I realized I was ready to become a father. I finished relating the story as we stood just meters away from the same spot where that special moment had occurred.
As he stood looking over his dad’s favorite city through a telescope, I fought back tears. I was standing on the Eiffel Tower again.
With my son.
We had come full circle, and once again I was filled with incredible bliss.
54 comments
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Jennifer Miller
06/02/2013 at 10:30 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Sniffle. Perfection. Congratulations to you both!!
Jennifer Miller recently posted..Kopi Luwak: This Coffee Tastes Like Crap
Talon
06/02/2013 at 11:34 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Thanks, Jennifer!
Elizabeth
06/02/2013 at 10:42 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
You are an amazing father. I know I’ve said that before. You have one of the biggest hearts I’ve seen. You’re both blessed to have each other! Happy Gotcha Day.
Elizabeth recently posted..Please Can I Homeschool, Mommy?
Talon
06/02/2013 at 11:35 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Thanks, Elizabeth. I can’t imagine life without being able to be his dad.
Kasie
06/02/2013 at 11:30 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Oh my. Something happened right as I finished the story. I seem to have something in my eye. And a case of the sniffles. I think I’m allergic to your writing, Talon.
Lovely story. I’ve known you a long time and followed along from (before) your first Paris trip, but this telling of the journey is amazing.
Dang allergies. There they go again.
Talon
06/02/2013 at 11:35 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Damn allergies! Flonase, Zyrtec, or Benadryl to the rescue?
Yvonne
07/02/2013 at 12:52 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
I think your lotus flower has bloomed, T. It’s truly lovely to see. <3
Yvonne recently posted..Mystery Road Shoe
Talon
07/02/2013 at 1:10 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Thank you, Yvonne.
Donna McNicol
07/02/2013 at 1:18 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
I’ve read the basics of your story before (read your whole blog last year) but it never fails to bring me to tears. You were fated to be together and you are proving what it takes to be a good dad. Hugs to you both!!
Donna McNicol recently posted..#IWSG: Writing Funks and Moving Enough
Talon
07/02/2013 at 1:11 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Thanks, Donna! We definitely do belong together. No mistake there.
Joy
07/02/2013 at 1:49 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
nice, i can relate….
Talon
07/02/2013 at 1:13 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Patti
07/02/2013 at 6:21 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Abi and I feel fortunate to have met you and your son in Paris! He is a great kid, articulate and bright and so polite! The two of you make a great team!
Patti recently posted..Paris! Just Another City?
Talon
07/02/2013 at 1:13 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Thanks, Patti. We definitely do mesh well.
Was very nice meeting you guys.
Adventurous Kate
07/02/2013 at 8:10 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
What a wonderful story.
You two make a great team.
Adventurous Kate recently posted..The Truth About Solo Female Travel and Safety
Talon
07/02/2013 at 1:13 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Thanks, Kate!
Kris
07/02/2013 at 10:26 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
I love the way you write and how much you choose to share. Your writing moves me, as does your zest for life. Safe travels my friends!
Talon
07/02/2013 at 1:14 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Thank you, Kris. Those are mighty compliments and very much appreciated.
Kristin of Be My Travel Muse
07/02/2013 at 4:39 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Wow. Tigger’s story and your loving, giving nature have me nearly in tears, especially after reading the story you linked about your first adoption. Much respect and admiration to you. You are incredibly strong!
Kristin of Be My Travel Muse recently posted..Khao Lak: Finally Finding Solitude in Southern Thailand
Talon
07/02/2013 at 6:56 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Thank you, Kristin!
Edna
08/02/2013 at 6:22 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Even though I heard it already, I love this story! It’s so touching. I’m so glad I was able to meet you two while in Paris and hope you’re enjoying Thailand!
Edna recently posted..The 5 best things I ate in Paris: January
Talon
08/02/2013 at 8:20 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Thanks, Edna. I really enjoyed meeting you as well! Thailand is pretty darn nice. You still have me thinking of Singapore.
Erica
08/02/2013 at 7:47 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
I love you Talon and I love the fact you are sharing these stories. *hug*
Erica recently posted..Hometown Tourism: South Congress in Austin, Texas
Talon
08/02/2013 at 8:20 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Thanks, Erica. Love you, too!
Gillian @OneGiantStep
08/02/2013 at 8:08 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
What a great, powerful, story! And oh, so, sweet too!
Gillian @OneGiantStep recently posted..Hua Hin On A Budget
Talon
08/02/2013 at 8:21 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Thanks, Gillian! Hope to meet when we’re in Chiang Mai.
Barbara
08/02/2013 at 8:41 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
What an amazing story. I feel so sorry for H for missing out, though. I hope he is happy whereever he is.
You are getting closer to us all the time. We’re only “next door” in Vietnam now. I hope we get to meet soon. I know a little person who would love to hang out with Tigger.
Barbara recently posted..Colours of Vietnam – Black
Talon
08/02/2013 at 1:53 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Yes, it was very sad for H, and he still hasn’t been adopted which makes me even sadder. Although it also points to just how many issues he’s struggling with. The eldest brother I hear was recently placed with an adoptive family. I have hopes for him.
Very close indeed! We’ll probably be there some time before June depending on how things go with some other ideas. Will definitely let you know.
Hanna
08/02/2013 at 9:18 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
I had read your story, but just had to read it again and I learned a few new things too!
You’re an amazing Dad Talon and Tigger is a very special little guy! Sending lots of love and happiness your way !!!
Talon
08/02/2013 at 1:53 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Thanks, Hanna! I feel like we both hit the adoption lottery.
Tamberlyn
08/02/2013 at 10:48 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
What a great story. As a mom of two boys, I don’t think both will follow the traditional course to produce a grandchild. That being said, my hopes are up. I love your saying, “endorphin addiction.” My son is what I have always called or described him as, “adrenal junky”.
Talon
08/02/2013 at 1:54 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Tigger is an adrenaline junkie as well. I just like endorphins. I can leave the adrenaline TYVM. LOL
Even though he isn’t even 12 yet, I’m hoping for grandkids at some point.
Thomas
08/02/2013 at 12:49 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
What a wonderful thing you have done! Sad to read it did not work out for H, but I can see why you and Tigger have such a special bond – that comes across in all you write. I am sorry not to have been able to meet you both in Paris.
Thomas recently posted..The Market Gate from Miletus in the Pergamon Museum
Talon
08/02/2013 at 1:55 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
I was quite bummed we didn’t get to meet you! Perhaps on our next trip to Europe. Or if you come through Asia.
Yes, we’ve both been through the crucible together. I think it has definitely shaped us, and our nomadic lifestyle has cemented that bond for sure.
Barbara
08/02/2013 at 10:21 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
((( Talon ))) Loving, Lovable, and Loved…. these are words I associate with you and Tigger… thank you for sharing your story with such heart. It inspires me to be still to hear my inner voice and take authentic action!
Talon
08/02/2013 at 10:37 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Thank you, Barbara!
Dalene
09/02/2013 at 3:12 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
I just want to smoosh him with smooches.
What an amazing story Talon, and I’m so glad you decided to share. Pete and I have talked about adoption (we can’t have our own), but those damn agencies require that you have a house and stuff first (how dare they?) Maybe someday we still will…stories like yours are definitely an inspiration.
Dalene recently posted..And There She Was
Talon
09/02/2013 at 3:40 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
I hear ya. Sometimes I think I’d like to have another kiddo, and Tigger would love a brother, and be an excellent big brother, but that whole stability thing is a bit of a problem.
Thank you!
The World Wanderer
09/02/2013 at 9:33 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Such a beautiful story! You are both so lucky to have each other.
Talon
10/02/2013 at 12:23 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Very much so! Thanks!
Jessica
10/02/2013 at 12:58 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
wow what a powerful story. loved reading about it- thanks so much for sharing.
Jessica recently posted..My Top 3 Travel Regrets
Talon
10/02/2013 at 12:23 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Thanks, Jessica!
Katherine
11/02/2013 at 2:05 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
A touching story – so glad you found each other and so glad I got to read this
Talon
11/02/2013 at 10:03 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Thanks, Katherine. We were definitely meant to be together
Ashley @ Traveled Earth
12/02/2013 at 2:07 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Thanks for sharing this story and post… I had tears in my eyes at the end. You two are so lucky to have found each other – you’ve really got something special.
I’m so glad we got to hang out with the two of you again… can’t wait to see where we next cross paths!
Ashley @ Traveled Earth recently posted..The White Terraces of Pamukkale and the Ruins of Hierapolis
Talon
12/02/2013 at 5:41 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Thank you! I feel the same way. I’m a VERY lucky dad.
So much fun hanging out with you guys again!
Sherri
18/02/2013 at 12:57 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Reading your blog has really touched me. I just turned 39 last week. I want to be a Mother so bad but the timing always seems to off, or the dream unattainable. I’ m afraid I’ ‘ll run out of time. My partner says to be patient that it will happen, and that we r destined to become parents. Patience is just not one of my strong suits. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks!
Talon
18/02/2013 at 11:24 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
My personal and family motto is Live without regrets! I’d say there’s no better time than the present. If it’s something you really want, then start the process and let the Universe take it from there. Feel free to email me if you have any questions, need an ear or a shoulder, etc. 1dad1kid at gmail dot com.
Melissa - The Mellyboo Project
23/02/2013 at 11:11 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
I can’t believe I missed this post earlier… it honestly brought tears to my eyes. You two are so lucky to have each other and I’m so glad you were able to share your favourite city with Tigger!
I hope one day our paths cross!
Melissa – The Mellyboo Project recently posted..Getting My PADI Open Water Diver Certification – Take 1
Talon
23/02/2013 at 11:16 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Thank you! I think we both definitely hit the adoption lottery.
Mariella
01/03/2013 at 8:38 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Talon, do you have to keep making me cry…? Thank you. This restores faith in humanity, it truly does.
Mariella recently posted..What’s one more Identity?
Talon
01/03/2013 at 8:43 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Quick! Watch this so you can start laughing.
http://1dad1kid.com/2012/12/22/our-1st-video/
I’m happy to hear it’s touched you!
Micamyx|Senyorita
04/04/2013 at 3:47 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
Thanks for sharing this story, Talon! You two are meant to be together as father and son. That Eiffel Tower moment is priceless! I’ll do scan more of your old entries. More trips and blessings to come!
Micamyx|Senyorita recently posted..Weekend Staycation at Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay City
Talon Windwalker
04/04/2013 at 11:41 am (UTC 8) Link to this comment
We are definitely a great match! We both hit it big in the adoption lottery.
Blogging for LGBT families Day: Master Post of Contributions — Add Yours! – Mombian
03/06/2013 at 11:42 pm (UTC 8) Link to this comment
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