I feel compelled to share this small piece of "Second-Chance Mother," after I reunited with Josh, when I shared with my uncle and aunt the truth about my son:
Finally I noticed Uncle Jerry and Aunt Barbara standing together off to the side — my father’s older brother and sister, whose eyes never failed to light up when they saw me — and I knew I’d found my chance.
Afraid if I paused I’d never get it out, I said in a rush, “I have something important to tell you. When I was nineteen, I got pregnant. I had a boy and I gave him up for adoption. Last year, we found each other and he’s back in my life. His name is Joshua. I have a granddaughter, too — Naomi — she was born in June.”
I waited for alarm to harden the gentle curves of their elderly features. Uncle Jerry’s pale blue eyes welled. Aunt Barbara blinked in quick succession, as she often did, and the corners of her mouth lifted in an understanding smile. Our three pairs of eyes locked in a loving gaze, and I knew I had done the right thing.
“I’m glad you told us,” Uncle Jerry said in his usual unruffled and soft-spoken manner. “We love you and nothing will ever change that.”
“Thank you,” I said and leaned in to give them each a hug.
It was strange and wonderful, hearing those words from this man who looked so much like my father, with his deep laugh lines, full lips, and the trademark long Janson ears. My heart warmed at the compassion on my aunt’s face, a woman whose late husband had been a minister at the church where she played the organ and who had followed God’s laws to the letter.
What a wonderful day that was for me! Thank you, Uncle Jerry and Aunt Barbara.
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