[Mary Mulcahy]

Five years ago today, Danny was placed in my arms forever! It seems like yesterday. I know I have told this story before however I think it gives hope to those waiting. I only hope that some other families will also experience the joy that I have and I pray that adoptions will find a way to remain open.

I am from close knit family and I always thought when I was young that I would have a house full of children. Well, career and school and a long relationship with a person who wanted no children, left me at 40 wondering how could I live without a child in my life. I had the job, the money and I did all kinds of traveling and had every material thing a person could want, but something was missing. I decided to change my life, job and make those changes that would enable me to become a parent. Then 9-11 happened and I really wanted to move, life is short and I wasn’t getting any younger. I picked a home study agency and a placement agency and September 6th, I was given Jose Pablo’s referral. I raced home that Monday to get my first glance of Jose. I began the true waiting game. Luck was with me and my case progressed fast and I went to see Jose the first week of December. The attorney told me at that time I had a 50% chance of bringing Jose home before Christmas! I returned home and that Friday, I was told you can travel and have the Embassy appointment on December 23 and fly home December 24th. WOW, I made my travel plans but at the last minute the Embassy refused my documents (the visa appointments were handled differently five years ago) and I could not get the PINK slip. Finally after 15 phone calls to Guatemala and involving my US Senator, we got the PINK and I was going! I remember waiting in the Atlanta airport for my flight to Guatemala and scared/excited I was. I WAS GETTING A BABY, A FOUR MONTH OLD BABY! I arrived in Guatemala on December 21, it was a Saturday. The airport was mobbed as many Guatemalans were traveling home for Christmas. The next day, my attorney, foster mom and Jose arrived at the hotel. I spent time talking with the foster mother and the attorney reviewing all the documents. Finally, it was time for the foster mom to say good bye. She seemed happy but sad all at the same time. I was crying with joy and so thankful to Jose’s first mom and foster mom for all they had done. The next day it was off to the Embassy and then back to pick up the visa. The following morning was travel day and it was a beautiful day in Guatemala. The sun was shining and off to the airport we went. That Delta Flight had 22 babies traveling home! Believe it or not, they were all angels and not one child cried or screamed. We arrived in Atlanta and I rushed to get to Immigration so I could make my connection to Chicago. Finally we were processed, I went to check my bags and the attendant told me, “Run you can make it!” People along the way were so nice and helpful, after all it was Christmas Eve and who would not be nice to a woman named Mary traveling with a baby. I was the last person to board the plane. I was so relieved; we were home only a few more minutes until we were all together with my parents, sisters. We were home! That night Little Jose became Daniel Jordan Jose and I was really a mom! That morning Christmas Day, I awoke to a slight dusting of snow knowing my life would never be the same!

Merry Christmas to all and thank you FPG and HA for your special gift to me.
Mary

[crayolamom]

What a beautiful story Mary! You have a great looking family. Merry Christmas to you all.

Love the comment: "would not be nice to a woman named Mary traveling with a baby...and on Christmas Eve"That is priceless.

[crayolamom]

What a beautiful story Mary! You have a great looking family. Merry Christmas to you all.

Love the comment: "who would not be nice to a woman named Mary traveling with a baby...and on Christmas Eve"That is priceless.

[giovanni7460]

I have read your story before. I have to say each and every time I read it with tears in my eyes. You are a wonderful mother. Merry Christmas to you and your sons.
Patty

[cbmstephanie]

I love your story. Congratulations on your beautiful boys! Thank you for uplifting my spirits this morning!

[KKR213]

I love reading your story!! Your sons are adorable!

[imateach]

Beautiful story and Beautiful children. Thanks for sharing.

[kzwief]

That is a wonderful story Mary, thank you for giving us some hope. It is amazing to me that you had your little one home at 4 months! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.

[Kate'sMom2B]

Wow, Mary! I can't believe it's been five years.

You and the boys look just wonderful! Great pics. Thanks for sharing that touching account of Danny's adoption.

[DPline]

I too always love hearing your story.

Thanks for posting the pictures! The boys have grown so much!

[Anne1377]

Mary,

Congratulations on your 5 year anniversary!

I always look forward to hearing your story at Christmas time.


What handsome boys you have!

Happy Holidays!!

Diane

[mamaskoby]

Thanks for sharing your wonderful story Mary. I got chills reading it!!!
So many in our generation thought we could ¨have it all¨¨ and waited to have kids. Ah, if only I could take back time!!! I would have 10 kids by now!!!
Happy Holidays!

[LadyTink]

What a beautiful story!! Your boys are adorable!! Happy 5th Anniversary!!

[lmvsmom]

What a lovely story! You are a beautiful family!

[BarbnJeff]

Happy Anniversary. I love hearing your story!
Enjoy the holiday season!