About Cheerio

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In general I am a cheery and energetic person. But I am enshrouded in a cloak of iron. That cloak is the weight of greiving my son, whom I've lost to adoption.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

The 17th Birthday

Cheerios world has been on the back burner, with many posts that have been simmering. They’ve been stated, but not finished. I aim to refocus on my blog with regular posts each week or two.

This week my son will turn 17 (Oct 13th). 
Quite frankly, this terrifies me.

2002 began my involvement with online adoption activity. I’ve developed relationships with original moms, adoptees, and some adoptive moms. I’ve been part of a handful of forums. One forum is exclusive for original moms, and there I’ve observed a frightening pattern with moms in closed or semi-closed adoption arrangements. 

It seems to start with her child’s 17th birthday and the “final countdown” begins. Just one more year to go and he/she will be 18! Each month and every holiday that passes, her anticipation builds as she pictures the next year will be different. Her attitude seems lighter as she looks expectantly toward the 18th birthday. 

Finally the 18th birthday is at hand! She’s spent the past year getting advice and trying to decide how to proceed on that special day. She carefully and cautiously executes the plan. 

Let me emphasize that point. 
She doesn’t just go charging in like a bull in a china shop. Not at all! From my observations over the past 10 years, she carefully considers her options. She views it from many angles, and does her best to find a method of reaching out without offending or pressuring. There is no magic formula, no book or guidelines to follow; each mother’s attempt is different. 

The 18th birthday comes, and it goes. 
We wait expectantly with her to hear a response or reply. Days pass, then weeks. The weeks turn into months. All the while she is hopeful. 

The 19th birthday comes and goes – and she has had no response. 
We try to encourage and support her as we watch her struggling to remain positive. 

The 20th birthday approaches the horizon.  It comes, and it goes.
Once again my heart is torn a thousand times to watch this woman on such a painful journey. 

The 17th birthday is a time when she becomes hopeful that she finally may be able to connect with her lost child. For the next two years she struggles within to remain positive. When no response comes, it is so incredibly hard to witness her plight and her obvious pain. 

One year from now, it may be my turn to be the one who is teetering on the edge while my hopes are dashed to pieces.
This week my son will turn 17, 
and it terrifies me.

2 comments:

  1. I went through this and I think that almost every mother does. For me it didn't start until her 20th - in AZ that is when it is legal to look. I truly didn't realize that I was in for what I got.... Sigh....

    I am glad this posted today and yes, I did link - (Lori)

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  2. Oh Cheerio... I completely understand your terror.

    Hugs to you, and sending you much love to help hold you up through this birthday time and beyond.

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