Success!

What a very crazy and hectic morning but a successful one! The plan was for M to come in at 9:30 to the case manager's office to sign the paperwork and then we would bring A at 10:30 for a visit. When I got out of the shower at 9:30, I got a voicemail message saying M wanted to change them around things with the visit being first. We quickly flew out of the house (I forgot deodorant) and as we were pulling in at about 10:10 the case manager called to say M had stormed out of the signing upset about the paperwork stating that visitation was up to the adoptive parents. We pulled in and M saw us so I went up to talk to her and asked her to sit down with Don and I and talk. Fortunately today was Don's day off and he was with me. We all sat in a conference room and talked for a long time. Long story short is that I asked her to trust us with visitation just as she is trusting us to raise him and always love him. I told her that as of right now I am fine with visits but cannot tell her how things will play out down the road. Don asked her to write A a letter for him to someday read when he asks, etc. So then she decided to sign the papers. The case manager supervisor came and talked to her alone and wasn't entirely sure. M came out and we all talked about it and the supervisor felt more comfortable so they decided to get it done. The papers have to be read by the case manager with two witnesses and a notary present and it all has to be tape recorded. The notary asked me to leave (Don and the boys had already gone outside)! I was happy as I really didn't want it to ever be an issue that I was present. M never had second thoughts about letting him go just the visitation and his name. I told her we would keep Angelo as part of his name but couldn't promise more. I also promised to send letters and pictures through the PO Box no matter what. I told her about my prayers for her to find peace with this and hopefully she will. She has an amazing strength I do not have but doing this, she has given A two amazing gifts. So she signed! Seemed to take forever and ever! I am sad for her and her loses and have so much compassion for her.......she and God have given us an amazing gift! Now on to the adoption part!