On the occasion of my daughter's 50th birthday, both biological and adoptive families and friends congregated to celebrate this milestone in her life.
But wait, there's more! This is the first time that both had gathered in one place period. Some of the members of this clan had never met, nor had they ever dreamed that this might be happening one day.
My daughter's adoptive parents hosted the event. Her two brothers and sister were there, two with their spouses. An uncle was there. Biological father was there with his son. My daughter's son and daughter were there, too. I was there with two of my sons. My daughter's childhood best friend was there, her coworkers and friends..
Everyone got to be who they really were and were able to reach out to these strangers who shared a common connection through my daughter's history in this life's time.
When the party was over, all of the biological family present headed for the ocean up the road. Biological family members shared conversation as we strolled along the beach and as we hung out on the shore or went swimming.
Once back in the parking lot, the conversation went on for a long time. Finally, we all headed out, one of my son's to return home, the rest of us to go to dinner.
Dinner was at my daughter's favorite Italian restaurant where conversations continued, although some of us began to show our age and accompanying tiredness. My son picked up the tab, much to my surprise and delight.
We talked more outside the restaurant, saying good-bye several times before we were able to go our separate ways.
As I reflect on the day, I would have to say that I was relaxed and not overwhelmed by the miracle of such an occasion. Instead, I experienced it as a natural opportunity to gather for a family member's celebration of life.
I could have regrets for not asking the questions I had ready to ask to all, including my sons. Few asked me questions as well. Nobody said anything about the significance of this gathering.
I am sure that, like myself, there was quite a bit of observing each other's interactions and presence there. I asked myself a lot of questions, including, "Why am I here?".
Beginning in April 2010, I have reunited with my daughter, reconnected with my daughter's biological father and occasioned their meeting, and been part of other connections made And here we were, a goodly representation of the whole family getting to know each other and celebrating our daughter's, sister's, mother's, niece's and friend's very important birthday.
Maybe there are some of this clan who want to get to know each other much better. I have noticed that my daughter knows me as well as she intends. This appears also to be the same for her biological father and adoptive family and I am ready now to get on with my life, completely at peace now.
For her adoptive parents to be so loving of their daughter, that they would invite us all, an act not yet approved of by their social paradigm, brings me great relief. My daughter has not only well taken care of, she has been completely loved for all these years - by the whole very close family.
As a result of this day, and their hosting this event, my daughter no longer has to have any doubts about the beautiful and brilliant woman she has become, if she has any. There are no more secrets, no more hesitations, no more holding back from being all that life has to offer.
This was, indeed, my daughter's day in the pure love light of Divine's Blessings.
We all have unrequited yearnings through out our lives. What is your story?
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