Exactly 25 years ago this morning the greatest thing that I have contributed or will contribute to this earth came to be when I was in the delivery room for the miracle of birth with my daughter; a baby that would become the lady, Stacey Sledd.
You may notice that she has a different name than me. You see, I played the role of biological dad in this story, but not really father. That honor was passed via adoption to Dave Sledd, and he has worn it so much better than I could have. Dave is the best father that I could wish on any little girl, and I’m proud to have him with this one.
I’m proud of who Stacey is.
I’m proud of who she is becoming.
I’m proud in so many ways I could explode.
I always knew that she was out there, and there were many times in my life (including the time of her birth) that I was too selfish, and stupid to make time in my mind or heart for her.
To my great loss.
She’s told me that it’s very rare for adopted children to find their biological parents at all much less to have a happy, positive relationship.
It’s the great blessing of my life to have met her at all, but to love her, and be loved by her, and to be embraced by her (and now my extended) family. It’s the second miracle of our lives with Stacey to have been welcomed into this life that all the Kinnisons missed.
This is truly a great day of celebration. It is we who celebrate receiving the gift.
Happy Birthday, Kid. I love you.
Dad 2.0
That was beautiful and so from the heart of the man I know.
I can almost feel your heart explode…what an amazing gift you have been given. How like you to recognize this gift for it’s magnificence and to be so in AWE of it. It was, and is, as it should be.
I’m adopted too. My adoptive father is a gift from God. Happily, Dad sees me that way too. Searching for / finding a biological parent is a daunting & frightening prospect. Thanks for sharing your story.