Untelling

For three weeks, DH and I thought we would be parents this Advent. I spoke to an expectant mother, she chose us, we met her and got to know her better, and then mere weeks before the birth, she decided to parent.

We were praying all along that she would make the best decision for herself and her family, and we trust that God has answered our prayers.

And now, I have to get down to the grim business of untelling. My boss has been resisting my efforts to advocate for a maternity leave for adoptive mothers. I untold him.

My friends with babies have been giving me baby clothes and advice. I untold them.

My piano teacher, people in my choir, I untold them.

There are many silver linings to this situation. It's better to receive this news one week before the birth than two days after. I might meet my work deadlines. I can go to my conference in January and see all my grad school friends.

But still, it's hard orient ourselves to this new, new reality.