The Gift

Brian in 1980, I met him soon after this!

Just before I was married, my then boyfriend came to me and said he had something he needed to talk to me about. He was so nervous; I could tell this was something that he was scared about my reaction. Watching him I started to worry that maybe something really bad was going on.He said let’s sit down and talk, so we did. He said Sandie, when I was in high school; I had a girlfriend that I really loved. I said ok! He said: after I graduated from high school she gave birth to my son. So, I'm telling you that I have a son. Given what I “thought” it could be, all I could say was "is that all"? He let his breath out and said so you’re ok with it? I said of course.

I met Brian when he was 3 years old. This little boy had the sweetest dimples and smile that you could imagine. He had a southern accent so thick, we had so much fun., being with Brian just made me happy.

We moved from Savannah Georgia in November of 1981 right after Matthew was born. We didn't see Brian again for 20 years. Laura was emailing Brian in the spring of 2001 and we were able to get reacquainted with him. Of course, after years of not talking (Brian had been adopted by his step-dad, so legally we could not have any contact) we were so happy to have communication again.

Brian and I started devising a plan, a plan to surprise everyone in the family; thus having Brian fly out to visit. In May, I bought a plane ticket for Brian to fly out to see us. He was flying into Salt Lake City on September 14, 2001. We all know that Sept 11, 2001, shut down the entire United States air travel. I had to break the news to Loren, given everything that was going on. So, we called Brian and told him that maybe we should postpone it even for a month. He said "if there is a flight leaving North Carolina on Sept. 14, I will be on the plane." Well low and behold, on Sept. 14 his flight left and after delays he finally arrived to us about 16 hours later.

I told the kids that a good friend of mine was coming and that we needed to make the weekend really special for her. So, Laura and Jon came to the airport with Loren and I, but they were looking for my friend. When Brian walked up and started talking to Laura she about blew his ear drum right off. She screamed and cried, Jon was in total shock. He was a little unsure what was going on. We had our video camera so we could capture it all on video, but of course Loren only took pictures and no video (hello, we missed the whole moment). Because of the craziness of the airlines Brian's luggage was lost. We left the airport and drove to Village Inn (at midnight) where Matthew and Danielle were suppose to meet, us, but they were tired of waiting. So, they left. Then we drove up to our condo spent the night and went back the next day to the airport to pick-up Brian's luggage. We stopped by the car dealership that Matthew worked for and Brian went up to him as a potential customer. That was funny! After, we went over to see Danielle.

Brian has been a special gift in our lives. Although, the road is long between us and miles divide us, we love him and are so thankful and blessed he is in our life.

Mostly, this Christmas I want Brian to know how much I (Sandie) love him and appreciate him. I feel blessed that over the last 27 years I have been able to know you and watch you turn into a wonderful man. I feel so grateful and honored to call you my son. I feel so blessed to be part of your life even in the smallest way. Thank-you Brian for allowing us to be part of your life!Loren and I marvel at how life comes full circle. Thanks to you Brian our family is whole.