[TL]

There are 3 major parts to this incredible story...

In 1975, my husband was married, both in the Air Force and stationed in Holland. Wife was pregnant, but cheated on hubs with another AF guy. Hubs was present when his son was born and this was the only time he ever saw his son. Wife banned husband from ever seeing his one and only son. Needless to say, they got divorced. Son grew up believing his father abandoned him. When son was 24, his mother finally confessed to what she had done and it took son a long time to forgive her for lying to him all these years. Son began to search for his long, lost father.

Hubs and I have been together 17 years, and every June, hubs says, "today's my son's birthday." I could see the pain in his eyes and hear the hurt in his voice, knowing there was nothing I could do to alleviate those emotions.

Part 1:

On January 12, 2012, I got a call on our home phone asking for hubs. I asked who was calling and he said, this is his son. I just about fell over when he said his name. I spent 45 minutes "grilling" him to make sure this wasn't a cruel joke or some kind of fraudulent activity. He passed the test, knowing all about hubs' family and hubs himself.

Part 2:

Son was married and had a son. So now, hubs is a grandfather to a 13 year old grandson!

Part 3:

Son lives 30 minutes from us! (Definitely a long way from Holland where he was born. )

Hubs was at work when I got the call. When hubs leaves work, he always calls me to tell me he's on his way. I was still on the phone with son when hubs called. I told him to pull over and put the truck in park. Hubs was confused by this request but did so. I told him that I was on the phone with his son and he thought I was kidding him. I told him some of the info son had given me (date of birth, mother's name, etc.) and it hit hubs that this may be real. (For those of you who are wondering why I didn't wait until hubs got home, I knew he would need the time in his truck to try and absorb this, and gather his thoughts because I knew he would ask a bizillion questions.)

While talking with son, I came to the realization that son is just like his father. The way they think, talk, and even some of the endeavors they've both been involved in. It was eerie. Son had made it abundantly clear that he was not seeking anything other than an opportunity to get to know his father. Son was even willing to start the communication process via e-mail if that would make hubs more comfortable.

When hubs got home, of course I was questioned beyond belief. We spent about an hour talking about all of this. I knew this was going to be the most difficult process of my hubs' life. After all, how often does a parent get to meet their only child after 36 years? I told hubs that I would do whatever it takes to help him get through all of this.

Hubs immediately went to the office and started writing an e-mail to son. I suggested to hubs that he wait to send the e-mail, so that he could get a better handle on his emotions. He agreed to wait. The next day, hubs asked me to call son and let son know that hubs needed some time to process all of this and to please be patient with hubs. He also asked me to tell son that first contact would probably be via e-mail and son was okay with that.

About a week later, hubs informs me that he didn't think the first contact should be via e-mail because it was too impersonal. Hubs wanted to call son, chat for a while, then possibly make arrangements to meet. I told hubs I thought that was a good idea.

Yesterday, hubs informs me that he has decided to stick with his original idea of first contact via e-mail. He read the e-mail to me and I thought it was perfect and told him to send it. He was scared at that point but sent it anyway.

Much to his surprise, son responded rather quickly. Hubs called me into the office so that I could be there when he opened the e-mail. He opened it but couldn't look at it right away. I told hubs I liked the first word...Dad. It was a quick e-mail, and the funny thing about it was son made the comment, "I would have said the same thing". Hubs asked what son meant and I told hubs that the both of them think alike. Both are very analytical. Hubs had requested a picture of son, which son willingly provided. Son is definitely hubs' son! No doubt about it. They both even wear glasses! Of course, hubs doesn't see the resemblence, but he will, once he gets past the shock.

So now hubs has to get up the nerve to send son a picture of himself, which I'm sure he will do when he's ready. It'll be a "baby step" process with hubs and I'll be there beside him. I know in my heart of hearts that hubs and son will eventually meet, and if hubs wants me there, I'll be there with bells on!

I couldn't help but want to share this incredible story with others. Life has a strange way of working sometimes, and this is definitely one of them. This will be one journey I'm going to love taking with hubs. I can only hope he sees it that way too.

What a way to start 2012!

Wow TL!!! That is an amazing way to start 2012. I wish them all the best! And to think they only live 30 minutes apart!!! Lots of hugs to you also.

[TL]

Thanks Ing! It'll be exciting to watch how this plays out.

Thanks for sharing that amazing story. Wishing the best to you and your family!

[TL]

Thanks roxiesmom! Hope you and your family have a safe and happy 2012!

[Aardwolf]

TL,

Absolutley amazing, i'm really happy for (now) all three of you !

I only hope that if i meet my real parents then it will be as good as this !

AC

[BuggsBunny]

Thanks for sharing this. It gave me goosebumps! I am so happy for your hubs, and for you to be able to experience this with him. May it all go smoothly, peacefully, and excitingly. (don't know if that's really a word, that last one, but you get the idea.) I'm all smiles!

[Onward2wards]

Congratulations to everyone, that's an amazing story.

[possum220]

Please let us know how this goes.........

[gma45]

What a wonderful story. Sometimes the world seems so small, I can't believe he lives only 30 minutes from you. Your husband is one lucky guy to have you by his side as he goes through this. How exciting!

[lynn P.]

A wonderful story ((toothlesslady)) and agree with gma45 - your husband is very lucky to have you. What a small world and I think this is a beautiful opportunity for all involved - imagine never meeting your own son and now he has this chance. Does your husband have any other children. Best of luck to all of you - I pray this open new opportunities.

[TL]

It's his only child. He's communicating via e-mail right now. I know he needs to get the nerve up to talk on the phone. Will keep everyone posted!

[avoice]

That's neat Hoping for the best. Can some one help me find my Mon? please