The First Time Ever I.... (meet Charlee Rayn with tissue warning by request)
Last edited Sat Jun 8, 2013, 09:28 PM - Edit history (1)
Background from previous posts late December 2007.
Along time ago before I met and married Marta, I had a relationship with another teenager. From that relationship an unmarried couple produced a child. Because of our very young age and circumstances, that child was placed in the care of an adoption agency. Always wondering what ever happened. Always knowing it was the right decision for the best of the child. 8-9 months after her birth, her mother and I broke up. Her dad would not allow us to see each other.
A phone call a few weeks ago let me know my daughter was in contact with her birth mother. My oldest daughter's name is Bobbi. She is in town and visiting her birth mom today. I will see her for only the second time in 30+ years tomorrow. I will touch her for the first time ever. My other children have known about her since they were teenagers. I'm nervous. I'm thinking of surprising her with some stupid sentiment. She was born in a Salvation Army Hospital. Because of that, I have never past a Christmas kettle without putting in something, no matter our families circumstances. Is it dumb to throw some change in a kettle with her tomorrow? Wish me luck. I'll be back online sometime Sunday afternoon.
Warmest regards,
OS
And
Yesterday was such a wonderful day. Bobbi was freshening up when we arrived. I was out in the kitchen when somebody tapped me on my back. I knew who it was and turned slowly around. A quick smile followed by a very long hug. After photos with her birth mom's family, I took Bobbi straight to a Salvation Army kettle. Marta stayed in the car. After telling Bobbi why we were there she had a glowing smile. I didn't tell Marta what we were doing until later. Now you know why I asked for advice about the kettle.
We brought Bobbi by to see our house. Out came the photo albums and an exchange of presents. Bobbi gave me a figurine of a father & daughter sitting next to each other. I will cherish it always. We gave her a butterfly necklace.
Off to Madison's birthday party. Our youngest daughter Beanie and her husband Aaron were already there. Our son Steve, his wife Lilly, and my mom came in about 10 minutes later. Another 10 minutes and Krissy's husband Sean's parents arrived. A wonderful night of stories and photos to fill in all the blanks we've had for so many years. Our daughter Krissy was cooking and Bobbi went right to the kitchen to help. It was as if Bobbi had always been in our family. On the plane ride in Bobbi was talking to the people around her about why she was coming to Omaha. It was right out of the wedding singer scene at the end. My mom told Bobbi of how she cried for days on end until she had no more tears when the decision was made for Bobbi to be adopted out. Future visits are already being discussed.
Today breakfast with both sides of her extended family. Unfortunately our granddaughter Bobbi can't be there. It is her weekend with her mom, so the two Bobbies won't get the chance to meet yet. I'm sure we will still have plenty to talk about. Then off to the airport to see her off this afternoon. I probably won't get photos online until at least tomorrow. It might take me a day or two to get up to speed on the DU again. Thanks to all my friends here for the encouragement and advice.
Warmest regards,
OS
When Bobbi was born I only saw her once. After leaving Roberta Flack's First Time Ever I Saw Your Face from the summer before was playing on the car radio. Every time I heard the song after that, I always went back to that moment in time when I saw Bobbi. Often causing tears. Now that Bobbi has her first child, I'm sharing this memory with her for the first time.
Bobbi's adoption mom's birth announcement: Her name is Charlee Rayn. Charlee is after my dad, Charlie Brown and Rayn is from her daddy's name, Ryan.
She weighed 6 lb 1 oz and was 19 1/2 inches long.
This was taken this morning (Tues).
Darned parents wouldn't let me bring her home with me. I swear she smiled at me!!!!! And no it wasn't gas!!!!
Betty
This is the first photo (time) I saw Charlee Rayn's (pronounced Rain and this 1/4 Cherokee thinks it sounds very native
) face.
OS
= new reply since forum marked as read
You are indeed fortunate to have this gift of more family after your loss a little while back. Love, kindness and open hearts have made it all happen.
Best wishes to you, Marta, Bobbi and may this summer be full of picnics, flowers and your wonderful family.
to all.
K&R
How so very special to have become reacquainted with your daughter and to meet this most darling miracle granddaughter! And I heard Jennifer Hudson sing that song recently, somewhere out west, I think at a dedication of a new grand Music Hall, maybe around Las Vegas? Do you have to pinch yourself to be sure this isn't a movie? I am so happy for you and your family!
Hugs and love to all of you! 
Thanks so much for sharing more of your story, Steve. As usual, I'm choking up... 
Julie
This could be a book or a movie! I love this whole story. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. My kid was 19 1/2 inches too and my love for him (and vice versa) is the greatest gift I ever got. You know what I mean. After he was born, I started noticing a lot of love songs could be about a parent & child, this one especially. Mazel tov! I wish you all many years of love and connection.
It's wonderful that you were able to reconnect after all of these years.
Here's to a bright and happy future!
Thank you for this wonderful, even miraculous story...
The Circle of Life grows more strongly when we love one another...
What an amazing story, thank you so much for sharing. Best wishes to you all!
