Jumping off the cliff

‎Living at risk is jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down. - Ray Bradbury

 

Shakib is in flight. He will be landing at LAX in 90 minutes. In 90 minutes our lives will take a new direction. 

 

I am thrilled, excited, scared, elated, but most of all deeply moved and touched by the opportunity ahead. 

 

We have been planning for this moment since May. We've been through our parent orientation and read the program handbook and materials. We've cleaned out our garage and guest room, reorganizing our home to prepare for Shakib's arrival.

 

Jon is 63. I am 50. We have never been parents before. How different is our experience from that of any other expectant parent? Not much I suspect. You read all the books on what to expect, and then you deal with reality. 

 

Bringing a child into your life causes upheaval. I expect ups and downs. And I expect to love this boy who is trusting us with his life, his experience, and his education for the next 11 months.   

 

Today we leap. We'll build our wings on the way down.