Tuesday, March 3, 2009

"It's done," Mary said.

I've been having a hard time coming up with just the right reflection on the past year. It sounds trite to say that I can't believe it was a year ago today that we got that phone call from Mary, the one that made me drop the phone as I went sliding across the dining room floor to yell for Ted, the call that filled my head with giddy elation and a high that lasted for days.

I will never ever forget breaking down and sobbing as Mary told us, "It's done" and then standing in the kitchen with the California morning sunlight streaming in as I called my mom. I will never forget seeing Susan out of the corner of my eyes come into the kitchen while I was on the phone with my mom and hearing her SCREAM with both her hands over her mouth as Ted told her the news. I cried again as I hugged her.

I paced and paced and paced around as I made call after call. I had never felt so light. We managed to get ourselves showered and dressed, and while Ted played basketball at the Hollywood Y, I sat outside a coffeeshop talking on the phone and checking the dozens of comments that were coming in on the blog. Every time I drive past this small shop, I get sentimental as I remember the love from fellow bloggers that day. Later that afternoon, I had lunch with my lovely and hilarious friend Staci at a French bistro-type place filled with beautiful things. She gave me that day a hat and mittens for Abe that ended up appearing in Abe's adoption announcement a few weeks later. That was a great hat.

The next few hours were a blur. We'd been given an expensive bottle of champagne for our wedding from our next door neighbors which we'd been saving for a special occasion. This day was the day to open it up. We drank down the whole thing and went to bed that night with thoughts of one certain little sugarplum dancing in our heads.

One week later, we were on a plane to bring him home. As wonderful as our referral day was, the first time we saw Abe's face, it truly didn't compare to March 3, the day everything was finalized. It was only until this day that I felt I could truly breathe deeply, knowing, as Mary said, "It's done."

18 comments:

Jill said...

It's done and yet it had just begun. :)

Julie said...

Raising my apple juice to toast the three beautiful Rooneys on this momentous anniversary. Much love to you guys.

mama becca said...

tears. such happy tears. i'm a wreck, it a good way. that was just pure loveliness, that day. not much can reduce me to tears this quickly...
love to you all as you celebrate this amazing memory.
becca

Tim said...

I think my heart just tripled in size.

Amy B. said...

I tried to leave a comment on the last little post, but it wouldn't let me for some reason. I can't believe that it has been one whole year. I remember coming home that day and Christopher telling me that you had called...I KNEW that there was good news! I am so glad that Abe has been with his parents for an entire year...he is a perfect "Rooney" kid.

Love,
Amy

Bethany said...

awwwww so heart felt, I love the recap!!!!! Cheers!

Erin Sager said...

oh so sweet, I can't wait for that feeling. Thanks for sharing that wonderful moment...

los cazadores said...

Wow, a year. Beautiful. Momentous.

Cindy

coffeemom said...

OH, you made me cry all over again. It IS just so good, that feeling, those words "it's done." Lovely. Enjoy your anniversary!

Claudia said...

Ah, what a lovely day to be remembering! I cannot possibly think of a better reason to crack out the wedding champagne. Nothing better in the whole world!

Staci said...

I can't believe it's been a year already! I remember that day clearly and was thrilled to be with you the day you got the call. You have such a beautiful boy. He was meant for you.

Anonymous said...

Lori, you've made me cry too! So many of us bloggers were following your story and our hearts ached with yours and there was such joy in this community when Mary finally told you that it was done. I still check your blog nearly every day - I just love to see pictures of Abe and hear more about him. Thank you for sharing your journey - it's meant a lot to me.

Gretchen said...

Lori- this is such a wonderful, beautiful recap. While reading it out loud to Jason I got all teary-voiced and had to slow down. Hugs and lots of loeb to you....

Susan Isaacs said...

Wow, that was a year ago. I can't believe it. But I still remember the moment I heard you say it. What an amazing moment. And to think we didn't know Abe yet. The amazing moments were all to come. Happy Parental Anniversary, Ted and Lori!

Danni and Tommy said...

Beautiful! All of you- especially together.

Anonymous said...

Icried then and I am crying now. You and your way with words ;)

Drew Carey Show said...

What a good, good day that was. I remember sharing in your elation when we heard your news. I can't believe it's already been a year! And a glorious year at that.

Shelly Roberts said...

LOVED this post!! Rejoicing with you guys and know there are many more new chapters yet to be written. :) ~Shelly