This is our oldest son Jared. You know, we let his stepdad adopt him when he was little and it was a big life regret for me to not have kept in touch with him while he was growing up. That sweet little miss he's holding there is his daughter Rose. Our grand-daughter.
Wow it's weird to say that.
In a very weird but seemed destined chain of events, Jared and his little family are back in our lives. It seems that beer is genetic because Jared is as passionate about beer as Eric is. He was actually saving to move south to take a brewers course when he met his fiance', fell in love and had this sweet little girl. It is only by chance that his fiance' saw Eric at Walmart and recognized him just because he and Jared are exact duplicates.
We started texting slowly. Cautiously saying hello, hoping we'd get to someday not only see pictures of Rose (who was still growing in momma's belly) but maybe even get to see her in person.
It was slow at first for the first few months of Rose's life. We met her at the hospital for the first time and we also saw Jared again after 9 years. The last time was when he was 18- at my mother in laws funeral. After seeing him at the hospital holding his little baby, the enormity of what I had missed hit me like a brick. After crying a creek, sorting out the feelings and vowing to stay in touch with him from this moment on-- I at least messaged once a month to see how they were doing. I was totally prepared to do only that for the rest of my life.
Slowly things evolved. When Rose was 4 months old Sara and her mom came by to let us meet her. I was so overwhelmed with emotion I cried when I got to hold her. It was so weird to be in love with someone I had never even held.
Fast forward to today.
Eric and Jared have brewed together a couple times now and have another one scheduled.
Things really have blossomed between the two of them. Jared is so laid back (thanks Matt! ) he would've never learned that from us! He's an awesome father. He's a parent I wish I would've been to Ashton. He lets Rose explore without hovering, keeping her safe but also letting her learn about the world.
Eric asked if he could introduce Jared as his son and Jared agreed. He's here at the shop a lot. He brings Rose with him a lot (who turned 9 mths old today!) and we get to play and see her pretty regularly.
Eric and Jared like the same TV shows, have similar interest, personality traits and even have the same favorite comedian.
Knowing he is so laid back and doesn't get upset about things lets us know we made the right decision. We still regret not seeing him, but I don't know. We would've been pretty disgusting role models for him so maybe even that was meant to be for his best interest.
Ashton is good with Rose! He likes being Gruncle Ashton! Jared and Ashton are slowly getting to know each other.
I don't know but all I can say is that I'm over the moon happy that he and his family are in our circle again.
Thank God for 2nd and 3rd chances.
Until Next Time.
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