ELIANA
I will never forget the first time I heard about Eliana, it will forever be etched in my mind and heart. My mother called to tell me that she had just walked in from shopping when she heard a plea on the radio about a little girl. The child was eleven months old with medical issues. Did I still desire to adopt a baby girl? I was at a loss for words for just a second, but quickly replied, "Yes, of course, whom do I contact?"
My mother continued by explaining that I had to call Social Services, she gave me the phone number and looked at the kitchen clock, it was 4:20 PM. Here in Puerto Rico where I had lived for almost six years government workers tended to leave their offices and wait by the elevators before closing time at 4:30 PM. Since I was originally from New York, it took me sometime to get use to this laid back behavior on the island. I decided to call despite that fact, I was rewarded by a male's voice at the other end of the phone. I was elated. I will never forget his name, Juan Rivera. Juan sounded hopeful as he asked me what I did for a living. I quickly replied that I was a nurse, married for thirteen years and had one son who was twelve-years-old. I also explained that I could not have anymore children due to a hysterectomy performed four years ago in 1978. I didn't need to work and would consider being a full time mom. Again, I could detect the sound of hope in his voice as we made an appointment to meet the next day at 12:30 PM. I called my mother back and told her what had conspired. She chuckled as she remarked, "You mean you already made a decision, sight unseen?"
Silence followed as the realization of her words hit me, "Yes I have." She reminded me to think before I act; as if I ever really did that when I was intent on doing exactly as I wanted, she pointed out. Yes, my mother knew me well. I felt happy and sure of what I wanted. I wanted a little girl and in a government hospital laid one that needed a mother and family. As I hung up the phone I thought, now I just have to tell my husband and son. I went back to making dinner as I pondered how I would relate to them all that had occurred. Somehow I felt secure in the knowledge that all would turn out well and silently I thanked God for the little miracle waiting for us at the hospital.
As Joe, Little Joe, and I sat down for dinner I continued to wonder on how I should give them the news, biting my lower lip nervously I blurted out, "We're adopting a little girl Joe, and Little Joe, you're going to have a baby sister. They both dropped their forks on their dinner plates, disbelief clearly written on their faces. I smiled very proudly and suggested they finish their dinner because we had a great deal to discuss before tomorrow, the day Joe and I would meet the baby. Silently they picked up their forks and gingerly picked at their food. The rest of the meal was consumed in silence as each of us thought silently about my outburst. Despite the surprise, they did not ask questions immediately, but then I guess they were used to my way of doing things. Joe always said I never ceased to surprise him.
"Okay Rosie, please do tell us about the new addition to this family.." Little Joe and his father sat on the green velvet sofa across from me. I didn't sense negative feelings from them, just curiosity. They knew how much I wanted a little girl so it was no surprise to them that somehow I had found a way to get her. I went on to explain to them all that had happened. I waited quietly as they digested the information. They didn't have many questions as I had been as thorough as I could possibly be with the bit of knowledge I had. "How old is she?" asked Little Joe.
I answered that she was eleven months old. He had no other questions, he smiled gingerly, his light blue eyes gazing at me gently. Big Joe also smiled and said, "Well son, you heard your mother our family just grew," he said with a twinkle in his eyes. I have never loved two people as much as I loved them at that moment. My husband and son were kind and generous individuals, their hearts had room for anyone and everyone. I will always remember that night and how special they made it for me. I was also extremely proud of them and I realized how much they also loved me.
That night I hardly slept as I thought of my daughter. My daughter, I whispered softly savoring the words. Again, I thanked God.
The next day I dropped Little Joe at school and returned home to get ready to meet with social services. Joe who hardly ever got up early was drinking coffee when I got home. I smiled as I teased, "So, you're as excited as I am." He smiled back as he bent back quietly and took a puff from his cigarette, while I ran upstairs to change.
PLEASE VISIT AGAIN SOON