Story Comes “Full Circle”

by Kathryn Urick

Published August, 1989

The Elder Teller

David Jae-Sub Urick, my sixth grandchild, made it happen.

Elder Teller is the vehicle I have used to tell readers about my adopted grandchildren, two little boys from Seoul Korea. Aaron, aged 4, who came in 1986, a brilliant, lively child, and David, 6 months old. He, too, is a beautiful child, showing already to also own a good disposition.

David was to have arrived early in June. I had gone to be with my son’s family to meet the baby at Detroit airport. There was a long delay and I had returned home, looking forward to seeing a video of his arrival. The word then came that he would arrive (with five others,) at Grand Rapids airport at 8:15 p.m. on July 19. Interestingly, this is the birthday of one of my sisters; so already, David has a birthday twin. Believe me, I did some rushing around, and the next day flew to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where the family, along with some neighbors and friends were waiting at a motel, as the trip home seemed too far to go that night. Our group had adjoining rooms and the remainder of the day was spent in a lot of babbling and eating of course. Katie, the adopted child (2 ½ months) of one of the couples, and Aaron, kept things interesting.

Time passed… excitement mounted. We drove to the airport…met parents and friends of the other babies. If you ever have the opportunity o meet some international adoptees, be sure and do so. It will be an experience you won’t fort!

Soon we heard the plane, and as we saw it come through the clouds, Aaron, with a big sigh, exclaimed, “FINALLY, HE’S HERE.” Children and babies are always the last ones to leave the plane, which gives the volunteers time to take each baby’s own blanket on the plane.

It is a sight to behold, as parents get matched with the right babies! Can’t you just imagine the smiles and tears getting all mixed up together. David’s escort explained that the babies had all slept from Seattle to Minneapolis! David slept a while longer, in spite of the airport confusion; even in spite of some jostling by Aaron as he managed to hold him on his lap for “just a little while.”

Since returning home I have had good reports… David is making a successful transition to his new nuclear family… “It seems David has always been with us… he is a darling little boy.” Personally, I’m sure he will be a big help to his brother in adding more joy and happiness to every hour of every day. Maria, his new mom, says, “his sweet disposition is already teaching us some things about good humor. Dad says, “Another good American citizen in the making.”

Would you believe that I am beginning to think about Christmas?