I came across these pictures that were taken almost 4 years ago exactly. It was the day Samuel came home.
The boys were cracking up when they saw these. He hadn’t even been in the US for 24 hours when the photos below were snapped.
Samuel at the airport. He was nervous, so everyone stepped back and let him focus on the luggage. He was focusing on the zipper to keep himself calm. Aram jumped in and began to play with the zipper, too. For Samuel, he was little like him (non-threatening), and he welcomed Aram to join him.
I remember at the time thinking that, although he looked really happy, he would probably regress. I wasn’t taking in the moment because I was planning for major attachment and adjustment issues.
When we arrived home they had really buddied up.
Tickling is universal.
The next morning they watch a movie with a snack.
Then they went outside to play. Aram couldn’t stop hugging Samuel.
They still make these faces for pictures….
And these ones!
….and these ones….
Well, 4 years later, what looks like these exact pictures are still being taken, just with boys a little taller and more thinned out. It’s interesting to see how from the very start their friendship/bond has not wavered or changed in any way.
Although there is so much heartache in adoption, I think it is important to know that every walk is different; every challenge and experience is unique to each individual.
I don’t ever want to forget that there are beautiful aspects of family growth, too. I hope we as a family can acknowledge trauma and loss, as well as celebrate beauty; all while promoting the ethicality of all adoptions.
For us, one of the positive (and special) things we want to celebrate is the boys’ relationship.
