“You know, I’m not a perfect kid.”
“That’s cool, because I’m not a perfect adult. Perfection is overrated anyway.”
~~Excerpt from the first call between AdoptiveBlackMom & Hope
So, today is the new Best. Day. Ever.
I am basking in the afterglow of my first call with Hope. We talked for almost an hour. Saying it was awesome makes me feel like I need to step my vocabulary game up because it is surely an understatement. It was even beyond epic.
At times while she was talking, I had to wipe silent tears away because living in this precious unbelievable moment was so wonderfully overwhelming. I was so glad to hear her go on about her book collection at length because I needed the few moments to gather myself.
It was truly a Jerry McGuire moment. She had me at hello.
I am beyond privileged. It is both eerily heartbreaking and heartwarming for a child to tell you on her own that she is happy that you are interested in her and that she might finally get a forever home. Heartbreaking that any child would find herself in such a reality. Heartwarming because she doesn’t get that I’m so much more than interested; I’m committed. I’m so there.
We made plans tonight. I’ve got late nights ahead of me between writing this dissertation and keeping up with our newly formed ABM/Hope book club. We’ll be reading Inkdeath by Cornelia Funke when I go to visit in two weeks. She recommended that I read the first two books in the trilogy first…hustle on that! The books have been ordered (thank you Amazon Prime).
We will have Wii bowling and tennis tourneys in order to defend our respective pro-level statuses. Oh yeah—we are competitive.
I will have to take swimming lessons in order to motivate Hope to finish her swimming class test, which she hasn’t been able to pass. Looks like I’m going to have to pass one too. Have I mentioned that I’m not a fan of the pool? I’m fantastic lounging poolside with an umbrella drink but in the pool? Not so much.
She shared that kids had teased her because of her dark skin and said she looked like a boy. I affirmed the beauty of her skin and her loveliness. I think I heard her smile.
Our talk was easy. I am so hers.
Before we hung up I said, “So you remember all that stuff about us not being perfect? Maybe that is a great set up for a good life together.”
She excitedly replied, “Yeah, I think so too! So we’ll talk this weekend right?”
Oh yeah, I’m already counting the hours!
AdoptiveBlackMom 
September 27th, 2013 at 8:00 am
She is amazing! I am sure all of the moms out here will agree – the fact that you had a conversation with a 12 year old for an hour is incredible – speaks to her maturity, that she’s interesting, engaging, etc – wow! Also, I love that she reads — and reads quality stuff. And she shared one of her secrets about being teased for how she looks, that is HUGE, I can’t overstate it – she already trusts you! Well many more “best day evers” are on the horizon for both of you! Wait until you are handed that doctoral degree on stage and she is sitting in the crowd cheering for you 🙂 You are going to be a great team.
September 27th, 2013 at 1:36 pm
She is ah-mazing! I’m so ridiculously head over heels for this kid. She just kept talking and talking and talking. I was sad when I had to say goodbye. I think we’re going to be ok through ups and downs. 🙂
Thanks for the read.
September 30th, 2013 at 12:14 am
ABM – Cynthia here: I was thrilled to read your blog entry. Wonderful news that the first call was so positive! I’m looking forward to following and learning from your journey of hope, with Hope! I can’t wait to meet her.
September 30th, 2013 at 11:23 am
Thanks for the read and the support Cynthia! 🙂 It is a wonderful time *now*! 🙂 So excited!