As a young man I spent much of my time partying but sooner or later I found somebody who I really liked and was married.
I don't think either one of us thought about children until a couple of years later. When we thought about children it was a very short sighted view. We tended to think of babies , toddlers and preschoolers. I couldn't get my head around thinking of children being older.
My children are adopted so I had lots of time to think things over. After you go through interviews and fill out forms with all kinds of information , you've had time to think things over if you want a family. They ask yoi over and over if you want to adopt a child. You have to get people to give you references. I've often thought that all people should have to go through such a procedure and then some people may make a different choice of being a parent. I remember going to pick up both kids. Again we were asked if we wanted children. Then you got chance to see the infant. Then they asked again if this is what we wanted.
At this time of year this is one of my favorite photos of the kids.
Time passes quickly and those little kids grew up. As I said I couldn't really see past pre school. And when school age hit time really flew until suddenly those little kids were ready to leave me. I wasn't ready to let them go but that was the only decision there was.
I realize that at the same time this was happening to my kids I was aging very quickly.
So after all this time my answer is still yes for children.
So the kicker in all this is that both children were picked up on the 22 nd of December! How's that for a Christmas present you'll never forget.
I’ve been following Hiawatha House for years and I think this year, 2020, you have told us more of your life experiences than in any previous year. In my family, as some of the elders passed, the younger family members have said they wish they had spent more time talking with the elders and getting the stories of their life experience. Not suggesting that you’re going to go anytime soon, but when you do, your son and daughter will have a nice record of your life to look back on right here in your blog.
ReplyDeleteI think many people regret not asking about family history. I know I do. By the time I wanted to know some things, they'd slipped from Dad's mind.
DeleteA strange coincidence for two adoption days! And wonderful Christmases, I'm sure!
ReplyDeleteI don't think any parent can imagine their children as older than they are but that's ok we grow and change alongside them
You speak the truth about years passing by.
DeleteMine are all grown up now, too. The first is now bringing up her daughter, at the same age I was when she was small, which feels uncanny.
ReplyDeleteYes sometimes you stop and look and then try to imagine yourself in that position again.
DeleteFull marks to you and to Jean for giving those little babies the best possible start in life. I bet you were a great father - not too strict and a good listener too. You must be very proud of what they have become.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't claim the great father bit. I was inconsistent. However, I love my kids.
DeleteWow! What timing! That IS a Christmas gift, both to you and to the kids. It's amazing how time flies, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThe first one was a surprise so many things had to change in a hurry.
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteYou picked a wonderful Christmas gift. It is amazing how the years fly by. My son is 28 now, it seems like he was born just yesterday. The photos are wonderful, happy memories of Christmas past. Take care, stay safe! Have a happy day and a great weekend!
Well, They were a gift that couldn't be bought.
DeleteWhat a lovely present! I am adopted, and I was born on Dec. 26th.
ReplyDeleteMy kids were placed when they were 5 -6 weeks old.
DeleteChristmas babies. Our first came home on Christmas Day.
ReplyDeleteBTW, your first sentence caused a chuckle because it sounds like the woman you liked was married. I love language. :)
I can make mistakes as I'm not very careful. I will go back and look.
DeleteWhat a sweet post Red. Your children were chosen for sure. In 2021 our girls will be 49 and 46...time goes so fast!
ReplyDeleteIt seems like only few years ago we were at that age.
DeleteThat's a great story, Red! Congrats to you and your wife on raising 2 wonderful kids! All of your Christmas holidays were double celebrations then!
ReplyDeleteI have 5 children - ages 31 to 41 and 6 grandchildren - ages 1 to 15. Time flies by so quickly so I should remember to cherish all of the moments I get!
Thanks for a great post!
We have told the adoption story many times. I hope they remember it.
DeleteThis is such a wonderful story of you and your children. Truly a holiday gift of the heart. Thank you for sharing this, Red.
ReplyDeleteThe time was a little chaotic as Christmas is a very busy time.
DeleteThese are great Christmas gifts, one that just continue to give and give. Your children are both fortunate and I wish you and them the happiest of holidays. :-)
ReplyDeleteWe often go over the story of these events. As children they liked to hear the story.
DeleteMy parents adopted all of my elder siblings before I came along.
ReplyDeleteNow that sounds like a story with an interesting back ground.
DeleteThis is a wonderful post Red! You two had the best possible Christmas present! I enjoyed seeing the pictures and hearing a bit more about your children. You are certainly right about the time passing quickly! May you and the Micro Manager enjoy the holidays!
ReplyDeleteThey were awesome gifts but it was a little busy at Christmas.
DeleteWhat a wonderful story to share. What a great Christmas that must have been. It's amazing how time is just moving forward at a fast speed. Have a great weekend, Red.
ReplyDeleteThey were both shocks as we only had a couple of days to prepare.
DeleteOh, what a wonderful anniversary, and a day for memories.
ReplyDeleteYes, quite the story.
DeleteMy oldest son has three kids now and the whole thing with all the noise and excited around their house just makes me smile.
ReplyDeleteYou get to enjoy things all over again.
DeleteSuch a special story, Red. Talk about special Christmas gifts!
ReplyDeleteHey , we didn't have enough time to buy a gift.
DeleteWhat a happy tale. They grow up faster than they grow old, fortunately. I have grandchildren older than I when I had my first of their parents. None of them have taken the plunge yet.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to get your head around your kids being parents.
DeleteThankyou. Three thumbs up and a love is fine by me.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely Christmas present, twice!
ReplyDeleteI always told my kids that you don't have babies, you have people but even saying that isn't the same as living it.
Oh my. This story is just sweetness! They were remarkable Christmas gifts, the gifts that keep on giving!
ReplyDeleteMy sister was born on December 21st, and she was brought home from the hospital in a big red stocking on Christmas eve. We all gathered around to admire the new baby, but what the three of us really wanted to know was: 'Can we hang THAT stocking tonight?'
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
I've got to give you three thumbs up on that reply! :-)
ReplyDeleteFabulous blog
ReplyDeleteBest Christmas present ever! That photo of you and your two kids when they were little is priceless.
ReplyDeleteYour post resonated with me. I never thought about it either. I just happened. My elder child would have been 51 now and my younger is 49. As you said "How did that ever happen?".
ReplyDelete