I have been working on an essay about a very personal story. I wrote it in honor of my son, Max, on the occasion of his 25th birthday. When he came home to visit recently, I read it to him as a bed time story. We hugged and cried. And said I love you. A lot.
Later I asked if it'd be OK if I shared the story. He did not hesitate to say of course.
19 comments:
I have always felt the warmth, compassion and specialness that emanates from you and Eddie. How lucky you both were to find one another and the blessings you have bestowed on so many others...you have been exceptional parents and your children have inherited those same qualities. And such a legacy you have shared with those of us who know you, regardless of the years or hours. Thank you for being who you are...and may Abbie and Max continue to share those remarkable pieces of your soul...we who know you all, are truly blessed. - Sandy C.
I met you at Val Ostarch's a few years ago and wanted to say how much I enjoyed your story. As a coincidence, just this morning I took my "Change The Truth" bag to church (before I read the Star.) We lived in Uganda for over a year - in Kabale - and enjoyed it very much. I hope that your orphanage is doing well. You have a lovely family and I think your story will help so many others.
Blessings to you!
Nancy Meyer
You are truly amazing...I love and respect you more than you know. Thanks for sharing your beautiful, heartwarming story. As always, your writing is inspiring and beautiful.
Paula
Gloria, I cannot thank you enough for sharing your story in such a beautiful and personally intimate way. I am sure you have touched the hearts of countless readers. You, Eddie, Abbie and Max make up a wonderful core family and may its lineage continue for generations to come. - Jim B.
Your writing is as clean elegant & compelling as your photography. Max's life and interests are exactly like Eddie's and yours, cut from the same mold, grown in the same terroir. Regardless of the circumstances leading to Max's becoming part of your family, it seems to me that he is a perfect fit, as much as that is possible. Debates about nature versus nurture are often based on statistics but os an individual story, yours is one that validates the power of nurture and perhaps the similarities and not just the diversity in the human genome. CP
Dear Gloria,
What a beautiful story you have written about your wonderful son and family. As the mother of an adopted child, I can so relate to many of your feelings and thoughts. Lots of mystery and lots of questions and lots of love.
Thanks for sharing.
Vicki
Congratulations Gloria for your courageous determination on all fronts and for sharing this most wonderful story.
Leslie Brown
It was beautiful, heartwarming, thought-provoking, open and sincere. You must have a wonderful family to support you in going public with your deepest feelings in this endeavor. Congratulations and best regards. From Harvey
I’ve long admired your photographs—beautiful and richly human. And now comes your essay. What an amazing story of love and caring and family! Thank you for sharing the sensitive story of your longing, research, discoveries, answers and courage with readers far and wide. Again…beautiful and richly human. - JS
Our children are special gifts no matter how we got them. Your story was one I had never read or understood before. Thank you for the courage to share it with so many. Best to you and Eddie, Betty K.
Bravo! It is a fascinating story and I now know that you have writing talent, too. That took a lot of courage to put your story out there, one that I did not know. I admire you for it. We have family members who went thought the same angst and ended up adopting. I’m sure your words will bring affirmation and comfort to many others in the same situation.
Thanks for sharing.
Dan
Just wanted to send praise your way for this outstanding article. I had no idea you had gone through that experience, but I applaud your attitude, your openness and most of all, your concern and quest for information for your little Max.
I have heard so many people comment on what a great story it is and commend you for your foresight and love for your family and most didn't even know that I knew you! You have created conversation. Yea!!!
I am proud to know you and yours,
Jill
A beautiful essay. I had no idea you all went through such a tough time. So worth it - Max is such a caring, loving, compassionate young man, due to his upbringing by parents of the same nature. Abbie and Max are both very blessed to have such amazing parents.
i am impressed that your writing style is as fluid as your conversation. so from the heart, direct and pure.... an exemplary life and you are incredibly generous to share it.
Absolutely breathtaking. You approached a sensitive topic with courage, dignity, and humor. Not many people could express what you did with such grace.
- Dawn
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. It was honest, real, sensitive and compelling. It took great courage for you both to deal with an option for infertile parents whose ethics had not been completely deciphered at the time that you chose to proceed.
The courageous choices you made and your loving wise and creative parenting (allowing Max to pursue his many interests), and the contribution of #11 as chronicled in the article, have not only blessed your family, but mine, and countless others whom Max will influence with his charitable missions and medical career and who knows what other adventures he plunges into. I think we are almost as proud of him as you are.
J and C
Your frankness & openness about your life - and the struggles you've had - are such an inspiration. Please pass on our gratitude to Eddie, Max & Abbie too for allowing you to open the eyes of those of us who are unfamiliar with the issues & pain of infertility.
Your family is a hero to so many people around the world for so many reasons.
--- Barb
We were moved by the eloquence of your expression and of your emotion. How brave you were to share.
A and D
It is a beautiful, heartfelt piece. You and Eddie are remarkable people. ..and parents.
- PM
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