It’s not every day that you get an invitation to attend your birth-daughter’s high school graduation. But that is exactly what’s happened! I’m beyond excited and honored to celebrate Deanna’s graduation this weekend.
This means my husband and I will be taking all three youngsters (7, 5, 2) on an airplane from Raleigh to Tampa. It will be oh-so-worth it, but wowww am I nervous to travel through airports and on airplanes with my wild kids. In preparation for the trip, Aaron bought a leash to keep the 2-year-old from running away as he often does. Initially this felt like an all-time parenting low, but then I realized it’s very much a necessity for survival.
Graduations have been a big deal for my relationship with Deanna and her family over the years. In 2005, I was 7-months (and very visibly) pregnant with Deanna when I walked (aka waddled) across the stage to receive my high school diploma.
In 2009, I had the privilege of attending Deanna’s kindergarten graduation in Myrtle Beach. Soon afterwards, Deanna and her family attended my college graduation from NC State. We have lots of pictures and good memories from those celebrations.
Now, many years later, I have the honor and privilege of being able to attend Deanna’s high school graduation. What a surreal and full circle moment! I’m in awe of how God’s goodness as I reflect back on the experiences we’ve shared over the last 18-ish years. Being able to have a relationship with Deanna and her family through open adoption has been such a gift. My kids are so excited to see their “big sister” graduate (let’s be real: they are probably even more excited to fly on an airplane and have unlimited screen time and snacks galore). Please keep us in your prayers as we experience this amazing highlight in our open adoption journey.
