Beyond "wow"

It has been almost 3 weeks since I miraculously found my 39 year old son Mike, whom I gave up for adoption when I was 16. Okay, I guess any lying about my age is no longer an option. It has been the experience of a lifetime, to be sure. We originally thought his already planned trip North with his wife Ann and daughter Abigail at the end of August would be the ideal time to meet, but within 2 days of our first conversation, it was clear to both of us that it was going to be impossible to wait until then. He got the first flight he could. We knew from the first phone call that our communication was effortless, but I couldn't have fully anticipated the degree of ease with which he would connect with Julia and my entire world.  

I "outed" him at the Canmore Festival at the first workshop with Stephen Fearing and David Francey and it was quite a moment for that audience - and him - and me - and my shocked cohorts on stage. The fact is, my peers and the audience and I have all sort of grown up together. I had to tell them! Then there was the unanticipated bonus of folks sharing with Mike their stories of how my music had woven through their lives over the years.... wow.  
We stuffed every waking hour when I wasn't on stage - and many that should have been sleeping hours - with the stories of our lives, and everything else that came to mind. We learned as much as we could as fast as we could with an indescribable unquenchable thirst. The depth and degree to which we "get" one another is profound and delightful. Our shared views, perspectives and lists of favourites is endless.  

And then there was Julia. Their connection was natural and graceful and as I said before - utterly effortless. The three of us packed in walks and row boat rides and swims and popcorn and endless talking. Always the talking... Oh yes, it must be genetic.

I am eternally and profoundly grateful to Mike's parents, not just for the obvious - for giving him such a loving home and childhood, and for the accomplishment of raising such a fantastic son, but to his mother for being so loving and open towards me. The adoption agency did a miraculous job matching us. I feel as close to her as I do to Mike and feel so indescribably fortunate to have both of them in my life now. 

So onward we go. Mike and Ann and Abigail will be coming up in a week or so for a good long stay, and this strange and fantastic life rolls on.