Christmas Comes Early
Jul 31 '00
Since my last writings regarding adoption(http://www.epinions.com/kifm-review-4226-136E651D-38FA5FC8-prod3), I've spent many nights awake and worried. Concerned both for the possible impending court battle and legal fees that go along with it. My trust in my husband wavered. I wasn't sure if this is really what he wanted. And I don't think he considered himself a father to Nicholas yet.
July 20th, 2000, I called home to find out if my husband was going to bring the kids up to work so I could have lunch and nurse my daughter. He told me I had missed an important phone call by a few minutes. A call, he said, I would have loved to take.
Our lawyer called.
I knew this was coming but wasn't quite sure what to expect. My ex had been served with child support papers the week before and my stress levels had risen dramatically. I always feared that he would show up at my door. Thought he was watching me and I know I had probably angered him by having those papers served.
I didn't know what he would do. I had been waiting for almost a year, on pins and needles, for him to make his move. Fight or sign the papers to relinquish his rights to a son he never saw, loved or supported in any way. I was tired of waiting and the phone call had been made.
My ex was on his way to my lawyer's office to sign the papers.
My co-workers thought someone had died from the way I reacted. I slammed the phone down and screamed "He's going to sign!!!!" The tears started pouring and I was shaking. Nearly 6 years of stress melted from my body and I realized my ex no longer held power over me and my family. The thousand pound weight lifted from my chest.
Everyone in the store came running. My manager hugged me and my mom held me for a long long time while I cried and said how long I had been waiting for this moment.
I called the entire family and we celebrated with dinner a few nights later. When I called the attorney's office the next day to confirm he had been there, I could tell the receptionist was smiling and happy when she told me that yes, he had signed. Our lives changed.
It's been amazing in my house now. The stress levels have dropped nearly off the charts. Nicholas will be adopted by his birthday. No more preparing for legal fee doom. And my husband and I are ready for baby #3.
The change in my husband has been the most touching to watch. Parenting has finally found him. It's more than just being there and making money. I nearly cried watching him try to teach Nicholas to ride without training wheels. This news has readied him for the final adoption process.
Now we joke what a piece of cake it will be. A social worker will be visiting us to make sure our home is suitable and to make sure my husband is a good father. Good father? He's been there. He's bandaged his booboos. He's taught him about animals, space and how glass is made. He's allowed him to sleep in our bed after nightmares. He's paid for his food, taken him to movies, and gives him his 'daily tickling'. Of course he's a good father. Just ask the one who calls him Daddy ... his son, Nicholas.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
jen76
|
|
Member: Jen French
Location: Texas
Reviews written: 21
Trusted by: 15 members
|
|
|
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.