Some back-tracking!

I FINALLY found my long lost camera cord so now I can tell you all how things went in California when we met our birth mother, Hi Suk- complete with a small photo montage! Well, first of all, none of this would have possible without Taylor's fantastic aunt and uncle who live right outside of San Fransisco, the designated meeting place. They were so gracious enough to let us crash at their home (their amazing, beautiful, splendid, newly-remodeled, kid-loving home) and even let us use their car to get to and fro... it was really so nice of them and we appreciate it immensely. The trip was filled with a full day in the city, walking along the piers, eating at Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park, Palace of Fine Arts, etc... so much to do, so little time. My little brother, Wendel and Ava became fast buddies and it definitely helped that Ava was an angel the whole time- which really surprised me since we were going, going, going almost the whole time. She was so patient which made this little vacation so much sweeter for me! The day before we were to meet with Hi Suk and Jean Claude, her husband, I get a frantic email saying their tour was a little off schedule and they wouldn't be arriving in San Fran until about 5pm, instead of 11am that morning. She was panicked that we wouldn't be able to connect with each other and this whole trip was for nothing!!! (She's not at alllll dramatic like Me! NOoooo sir!) Luckily we made contact and decided that T, Wendel, Ava and I would just go to the hotel they were staying at around 5pm and spend the time there instead of in the city. Great plan! 5pm and the four of us got to the hotel without a hitch and were walking in toward the concierge desk- when all of a sudden we hear a loud squeal of excitement! We turn around and I got totally mauled by our long lost birth mother!!! She is by far one of the best huggers in the WORLD!!!! It was such an adrenaline rush for all of us, hugging, laughing, more hugging and a few tears (from us gals, obviously the guys had to keep it all locked up!). I wrote in my journal when I got back from the hotel this: "Meeting Hi Suk for the first time wasn't scary for me at all, I was calm, but excited. I can't really describe the feeling of the very first hug- only like it was meeting an old friend again after a long time apart- it was warm and sweet. I am now sitting here knowing this was the right thing to do". We all went to the lobby area to talk for a while and share some photos of Wendel and I from our younger years. She was so funny! Always stroking our faces, drinking it in. Then going off with Ava- who was just barely learning how to walk a few steps at a time then- encouraging her in French baby-talk. It was priceless to watch her with Ava, since she and I look so much alike at that age, Hi Suk kept muttering my birth name into her hair and holding her tight. It made my heart ache and explode with happiness at the same time. After a nice dinner at a nearby sushi bar, we went back to the hotel for some more talking. Hi Suk gave Ava and I both dresses called a hanbok which we dressed Ava up in right then and there! What a doll! The dresses are gorgeous, mine is pure white on top with elaborate hand stitching around the collar and scarlet red on bottom.

At the end of the night, none of us wanted to leave- but we knew it wouldn't be the last time we saw each other. We were all so elated the whole way back to the Edgrin's home.

I'm so blessed to have such great families in my life. My birth mother is an inspiration to me. She reminds me that when trials come our way, it's alright to grieve but building a great life afterwards is the best thing to do for your soul. My own mother, Viki, is a huge example of unconditional love and fortitude. Her whole life was dedicated toward making sure her children know they are loved immensely. And my sweet husband who is the biggest supporter and most solid person in my life- someone who doesn't take our blessings for granted and who encourages me to become the mother I want to be. I know that my life is richly blessed because of the people who I love and who love me back.

Thank you all so much for your support and well-wishes with this little adventure of mine- I'm so grateful for your thoughts!