My heart is feeling a multitude of things as the weekend approaches. My cute, sweet, little boy leaves the tween years behind and steps firmly into the land of the teenage years.
Toward the end of 2007, I felt I was ready to adopt another child. It felt like someone was missing from our family, and I began the search. This time I was hoping for a younger child, but not too young (I know my limits). It was while looking through an adoption organization’s website that I discovered this cherubic face. Something clicked, and I decided to send an inquiry. Within a couple of months, I had jumped through all the hurdles and been approved by all the committees for us to become a family.
You don’t get to actually meet your child until placement is approved and you’ve committed to the adoption. Our first meeting was at his foster family’s home. I brought him a stuffed animal. His caseworker had already given him a photo album I had prepared for him.
The album contained photos of his new family as well as things I wanted to do with him. When we met he was an incredible bundle of anxious energy. He would come over, say something to me—most of which I couldn’t understand because of his speech impediment—and run away.
He reminded me of a hummingbird at a feeder. Swoop in, drink a little, buzz away, and repeat. He wanted to show me absolutely everything in the home. I smiled as I took his tiny hand into mine as he led me around the house.
He also showed me his favorite photos in the album. He was absolutely excited about seeing the Eiffel Tower one day, which we accomplished last year.
His first overnight stay at my home was an eventful one. At about 2 AM I heard an unmistakable noise in his bathroom followed by a light knock on my door and a pitifully croaked “Dad?”
Not the introduction you hope for. At the same time, it was a good thing because it showed him that I could take care of him when he was sick.
That summer he would amaze me as he taught himself how to swim. He watched everyone else and just swam. I couldn’t believe it! On our second day in Utila a few years later, he joined me on the dive boat. The captain somewhat reluctantly agreed to allow him to snorkel while I was diving.
When I returned to the boat, the captain asked where we were from. When I told him, he couldn’t believe it. “He swim like an island boy!” Sometimes he’s almost too comfortable in the water.
Over the last 6-1/2 years I’ve watched this small, timid boy blossom into a young, fairly secure and confident young man. He still bounces around like a kangaroo, and while I don’t get nightly cuddles like I used to—something I’m still not happy about—I do get lots of hugs and kisses throughout the day.
So far it isn’t embarrassing to be seen with his dad. Occasionally, while he’s getting ready to go off on another bounce, I even get a brief holding of my hand.
Two years ago we celebrated his 11th birthday on the same island where he’ll now turn 13. He had two parties then but this year wants a quieter celebration. It’s hard for me to honor that since I like to make a big deal about birthdays—and this one is a big one!—but honor it I shall.
I love the teenage years. I know many parents who don’t, but I’ve always enjoyed this time with the kids I’ve had in my home. That is until I realize that in five very short years, my young man will legally be an adult. Then my heart gets a bit heavy.
While I’m excited to see what his life is like when he’s ready and old enough for his own adventures, at the same time I wouldn’t mind somehow keeping him as my not-so-little bouncing ball of sunshine. In the meantime, I’ll just continue to enjoy watching his big boy frame hopping and skipping down the sidewalk, having interesting conversations with him, laughing at his odd online conversations, and seeing the world through his non-cynical eyes.
Sometimes the hardest part of parenting is just watching them grow up and hoping the impression you’ve left on their heart is big enough to sustain them when they need it most.
Please join me in wishing Tigger a very happy 13th birthday!
August 24, 2014
A big Happy Birthday to you from us. Was lovely to meet you – you are a wonderful kid. Keep smiling and being so nice 🙂 Have a great day.
August 24, 2014
It was nice to finally meet you guys, too!
August 23, 2014
Happy birthday, Tigger! Best wishes for a great year to come
August 24, 2014
He says thank you!
August 23, 2014
Happy Birthday Tigger! Wishing you both another year of happiness and adventure.
August 24, 2014
He says thank you!
August 23, 2014
Happy Birthday Tigger !! Lots of Love from Safira, Misma & Linda too 🙂 Wishing you an Awesome One !!!
August 24, 2014
Thanks, and give the girls a hug from us.
August 23, 2014
Happy Birthday, Tigger!
Keep bouncing! 😉
August 24, 2014
He says thank you, and he definitely will. Nothing can stop that. lol
August 23, 2014
Happy Birthday Tigger! You are blessed with a parent who understands that you growing up is never to resent in any way, come what may, but to wonder at, every day.
It’s a treasure, and it’s all yours! Have a happy one 🙂
August 24, 2014
Yes, he is VERY lucky to have me as a parent. 😀 Thank you!
August 23, 2014
Tigger! happiest birthday wishes!
August 24, 2014
He says thank you!
August 22, 2014
Happy Birthday Dear Tigger
I’m looking forward to hearing what your pet name will evolve into 🙂 I love reading about your life through your dad’s eye. He’s so proud to have you and I can see why. Gosh your photos as a young kid were adorable but I love how handsome you are turning to be.
Share more cuddles with dad this weekend and continue the bouncing – it definitely works in your favour 🙂 with love from me to you – from Bangkok
August 24, 2014
He says thank you! He’s decided to stick with Tigger online. He definitely has earned that nickname. lol
August 22, 2014
What a lovely story! It is so hard to watch kids grow. “Children may not remember what you said or did, but they will always remember the way you made them feel”. Well done, Dad! 🙂
August 24, 2014
It IS hard! It’s also fun at times to see how their personality has developed, the choices they’re making, and so on. But I miss those cuddles.
August 22, 2014
Love the photo of him wearing the tie – and the smile. Happy Birthday Tigger!
August 24, 2014
That’s one of my favorites, too. That was taken the day the adoption was finalized so he had a lot to smile about.
August 22, 2014
Happy birthday Tigger! What a beautiful gift this post’s words are!
August 24, 2014
We both say thank you!
August 22, 2014
Happy Birthday, Tigger! I’m sure with the grounding your Dad worked on for you, you’ll be alright out there in the world as an adult!