Monday, December 18, 2023

MY TWO BEST CHRISTMAS PRESENTS

      Now tell me, can you name your two best Christmas presents? Well that may be a bit of a hard question. I've set the rules. So twist this question around if you like. 

     My two best Christmas presents were my children. Yes , they both arrived for Christmas.

     My children are adopted. When we decided to adopt we had to fill in a detailed application form and have a house inspection and a long interview. We were at the mercy of the bureaucrats. They told us we could be waiting for as much as two years if we were accepted as parents. With this happy news we carried on our lives and careers and put adoption in the back of our minds. The application was made in Sept.

    So on Dec. 21 one of the bureaucrats phoned and told the MM that they had a baby for us! Wow! We were not prepared at all. The MM was just getting ready to go on shift. She thought fast and asked for an extra day from the bureaucrat. The first phone call she made was to resign . She spent the next  day shopping as she had to buy everything needed for an infant. And she did get everything and the big day and trip came. 

    We were delighted to receive a baby boy who was about 8 weeks old. This little guy knew that something was going on and he knew that he was with different people. After a day or two he calmed down.

    So his sister? Almost the same thing. They phoned on the last day of school and would we come to Edmonton the next day. She was about 8 weeks old. 

    Okay we were ready we thought. The usual interview happened and then we were left alone with the baby to make a decision. Who is going to turn down an infant. She looked as she may have a deformity and we had been told she was a healthy infant . Things were reviewed and checked and found to be normal . 

    Off to home we went with a new daughter. Her shoulder straightened out in a day or two. Sad to say that she may have been left in a chilly area and was cold. 

    So there you have it...my two best Christmas presents. 

50 comments:

  1. Wonderful story! No, I can't top those two best gifts.

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    1. I wasn't expect people to com e up with something better just your favorite.

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  2. That's a lovely adventure! Lucky kids too! My best present was late: I was due December 18, Christmas came and went, and he decided to arrive on December 27. My Mom had already given us an ornament for Baby's First Christmas, but he missed it. He's a good kid at 36 next week. The years I pinched pennies, and spread out what gifts I acquired for him: deciding what was for his Christmas, and then his birthday 2 days later. Much easier now. Linda in Kansas

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    1. Each of us has a unique birth story. It's sad that some people know nothing of their birth.

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  3. Wonderful story and memories. Take care, enjoy your day!

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    1. We are always reminded of those events at Christmas.

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  4. "Not of my flesh, not of my bone, but still miraculously my own. Never forget for a single minute, you didn’t grow under my heart, but in it!" My brother was adopted! I love your story!

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    1. Great quote and yes , I'm familiar with it.

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  5. I feel like Linda too Red. Nothing could possibly top that!

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    1. I was looking for your own stories. Everybody has something that's a favorite.

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  6. Perfect! The best gifts ever!

    Our daughter was born on Dec 21 and came home on the 24th. I understand!

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    1. If it was your first child it's over the top exciting.

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  7. Our first daughter was born on the 20th and came home on Christmas Day. She has always loved Christmas. Our second child was born on my birthday, so that was pretty special too.

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    1. She get's two celebrations at one time.

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  8. That is a wonderful story and a great way to meet your children! :-)

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    1. Yes, you don't get very much time to think about things.

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  9. I remember getting a Schwinn blue bike when I was 10 years old and I still have that bike, altho, it has been years since I rode it!
    Your story is better than mine!
    Merry Christmas to you and your family, Red!

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  10. Those are wonderful gifts and great stories.

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  11. That is amazing! I was adopted at 6 mos., and I was born Dec. 26th. That is about all I know.
    I don't have memorable gifts, as you do! Delightful.

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  12. I can't top that either! Thanks for sharing that story!

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    1. I wasn't looking for a better story , just your story.

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  13. What wonderful Christmas presents you received. Truly gifts that last a lifetime. (NewRobin13)

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    1. These stories have been told many times.

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  14. Great story, Red. I can't top that either.

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    1. Well, you could tell what your best presents were.

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  15. Thank you for sharing. What grand presents. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and all the best in the new year. SuSan

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    1. Great surprise to see you on here making a comment. Greetings to you at this season.

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  16. Well, I certainly cannot top that. Nothing can be finer than the gifts you have been given.

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  17. We (daughter, son-in-law and me) were visiting family in another state for Christmas, and my daughter received a phone call the day after Christmas asking if she & my son-in-law could pick-up a little boy December 28. We said goodbye to family and excitedly drove home to welcome the most wonderful little fella into our family. He's grown into a fine young man and has been truly the greatest gift.
    Wishing you & yours a wonder-filled Christmas and a New Year filled with peace, good health, and laughter.

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    1. Thanks for sharing your story. Season's greetings and have a great Christmas with the story of the new baby.

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  18. No one can do better than this Two infants! Wonderful.

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    1. It was a surprise that they both came at Christmas.

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  19. Wonderful story. Merry Christmas, Red and MM!

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    1. Thanks and you have a great Christmas with your family.

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  20. This is such a great story! Loved reading about this, thanks Red!

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  21. Right now, my two newest grandchildren are round about eight weeks old. It was a wonderful thing that you and Jean did together - giving two perhaps unwanted babies a loving home in which to grow, to learn and to thrive.

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  22. Aw, what awesome gifts. So interesting that both of your children were ready for you in December. There is no way any gift I might remember can compare to your wonderful gifts. Have a very Merry Christmas.

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  23. The best gifts ever!
    I'm fascinated that you were repeatedly told your birth story. Maybe you'll share it with us some day

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  24. Cannot top that!! What blessings you are to them and they are to you!

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  25. Happiest Holiday to you and your Family!

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  26. Nice reflection, esp at Christmas! I was a July 4th baby, my son a Thanksgiving baby, and my daughter arrived the day in the beginning of May when our apple tree broke out in bloom.

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  27. Oh Red... This is such a beautiful story. And yes, they were definitely the BEST Christmas presents, EVER! I love it!

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  28. Oh just nobody could have better gifts than those!

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  29. oh my god this was one of the most beautiful stories i ever read dear Red!!!!!!!
    thank you for making us part of your joy and excitement you both felt on such heartwarming occasions :)
    you love them so much indeed and i am sure they love you both back with same or more strength !

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