About the time Mother recalled the correct name, she read a letter in that day’s mail from Jaynet informing her of their whereabouts and verifying the name of their friends.
When Jaynet called the Beaumont operator it was 5:00 and I think all of what we call “Ma Bell” was listening in on their conversation.
Quickly Jaynet and Firmin returned to Alabama, arranged for leave and headed for Texas. Where we all began to wait for the birth which was to take place in Dallas.
I clearly remember sitting in church on Easter Sunday, April 6 and praying that the baby would be born on Easter. He was.
The new parents drove quickly to Dallas – walked into the hospital, without so much as a baby bottle or diaper in hand, but arms full of love. The nurse came out with a brand-new bundle of joy, handed him to them and, “Here is your son.”
There was a six-month trial period before the final adoption was legally confirmed. It was an anxious time, since a friend of theirs had lost a child during that waiting period. But all went well and Michael was theirs for keeps.
What a person becomes should not be the reason for his significance. All human life should be treated with respect. Adoption is the purest form of sanctity for life – regardless of the health or intelligence of the child.
Our love for Michael would be the same no matter what he made of himself. But permit me to tell you what a joy we have shared because of his birth mother’s choice.
Michael was exposed to a very unique life. As a young child they lived in Germany. They then returned to live in Colorado and while Firmin served in Vietnam, they were at home in San Antonio. Firmin eventually became the private helicopter pilot for Lyndon Johnson, the President of the United States. Michael developed an attitude of confidence and courage to take on challenges. At the age of 25 he received his Doctorate in Economics fro Purdue University requiring a special review since it had never been done before. He was a Fulbright Scholar to Rotterdam, Holland in 1985. At the age of 30 he received tenure as a professor of ecnomics at Texas A&M University, two years earlier than expected. He earned a PhD in Economic from Purdue University. He is author of at least five economic text books. He is a father with his lovely wife, M’Lissa. He even served as Director of the Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Economics.
Yes, I am proud, but the lawyer at this adoption proceeding put it perfectly after the ceremony,
“How could you lose with a baby born on Easter Sunday and the Lord and Love on your side? The judge’s name was Lord and the lawyer’s name was Love.
The next entry will post in two weeks.
I raised three children as a single mother before I remarried. In 2007 I founded SMORE for Women, a nonprofit whose goal is Single Moms, Overjoyed, Rejuvenated, and Empowered. I’m also a Certified Professional Coach and my stories have been published in several Christian books and magazines. My book, Living Learning Loving is available on Amazon. My Website.
gailshowalterblog.com 