STRENGTHENING CONNECTIONS

So, we didn't tell anyone ahead of time because we didn't feel they would understand nor agree with our decision, but this afternoon we had "K," Sam's birth mom and her parents, over to our house for coffee and dessert.

Last year, around this same time, we met them at a local coffee shop and had a great visit.

Here is Sam's picture from that visit. He didn't have hardly any teeth and he wasn't even walking on his own yet. Now look at the big boy...."K" is wearing the necklace that Sam gave her for her 20th birthday, which is tomorrow.

What a difference a year can make! Anyway, you may remember this post I wrote about our adoption agency having to shut down. Richard and I were very sad and we talked about it a lot. Normally, we would send pictures and letters for "K" to the agency and then they would send them to her, but because of the close and because we feel very comfortable with our adoption situation, we felt why not just bypass the middle man and mail them directly to her. So, we called "K" and told her how we felt and she agreed.

Also over many discussions Richard and I decided we wanting Samuel to be able to continue to see her and in wanting him to be in a comfortable environment we chose our home as the best place for these visits. We called "K" and her parents and invited them over. They were all very excited.

So, Richard put up the outside Christmas lights early and the day after Thanksgiving I decorated the inside (as I always do). I wanted them to feel like they were spending Christmas with Sam.

They gave him this card....

....with this inscription.....how sweet! They also got him some clothes....

....this book and a book shaped like a tractor with wheels. We had a delicious chocolate, pecan pie and great conversation. They were very appreciative that we invited them and I am hoping to make it an annual tradition.