A NEW LIFE PART 2 OF 2

 

“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you this year’s valedictorian.” The audience erupted with non stop clapping as Jonny came to the podium. “My fellow classmates, I stand before you today because two individuals took it upon themselves to make a difference in the life of a biracial foster child.” So today I want to thank my parents Mr. and Mrs. Booth, I acknowledge them before all of you, and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.” “ Fellow classmates, I also want to challenge you to search deep in your hearts of hearts, first and foremost let us not become complacent, the world needs you to answer to the calling of compassion. Let’s not go on about business as usual, let’s not rest until we all have extended a hand to the needy. Last but not least, fellow classmates, let’s put to good use the degree being conferred to us today. Let’s make a commitment to stamp out hunger, let’s stop bigotry from festering like a cancer, most of all fellow classmates let’s follow the model of one of the greatest president of all time.   Let’s not ask what our country can do for us, but what we can do for our country” “Thank you , fellow classmates for honoring me with this great opportunity to speak before you today,” with that closing statement Jonny went and sat , while the audience went wild with a standing ovation.

Three years after graduation from college, Jonny received a law degree from Sturm College of Law, University of Denver, and Denver Colorado. Jonny’s experience as a foster child compelled him to specialize in family law. He derived great pleasure and satisfaction defending innocent children from the likes of Mrs. Bellamy, his former foster mom. After being adopted by Mr. & Mrs. Booth and seeing how they made a huge difference in his life, he knew he wanted to do the same for other children. It did not take long for him to establish himself. The news about his benevolent ways and passion to help needy children spread like a spark set to dry grass. He became a mentor for at risk youths, he volunteered many hours at the local foster Care Adoption Agency. He co-founded the Adopt a family Holiday program. 

Despite all the accolades Jonny received, there was still a major void deep rooted inside his heart and soul. He had to find a way to fill that unrelenting emptiness that has been haunting him for so long. He needed to locate his maternal grandparents who gave him up after his parents died. To commence his search, he hired a private  detective who within a short period of time was able to locate his grandparents.

The long flight to Munich Germany was very tiring even though Jonny slept through most of the trip. He deplaned, retrieved his luggage and signaled a cab to take him to his hotel. The fear of the unknown began to set in, Jonny started to second guess his decision. He came pretty close to changing his mind. Finally, he garnered enough courage to go through with his plan. After, a restless night of turning and tossing, he showered, dressed and headed to his maternal grandparent’s apartment.

During the subway ride, Jonny began to think about his high school days. His adopted parents encouraged him to study German in high school.   They told him it would be a great idea to study German so he could learn as much as possible about his heritage. He took their advice to heart and studied German for four years.   He has never forgotten, Franz the exchange student from Munich that lived with them for an entire year. He was able to practice German with him. That experience really helped him improve his ability to speak German. He can certainly carry a decent conversation in German.    Luckily he was able to contact Franz; they will meet for lunch later this week. Those thoughts gave him a  warm fuzzy feeling in his stomach.

Jonny exited the subway ready to tackle what awaited him. He walked a few blocks; he took in a deep breath. Indeed, Munich was very beautiful. He walked past buildings that had windows dressed with planters full of colorful flowers. The scene was a vibrant visual feast, unlike any he had ever seen in the United States. He strolled along leisurely enjoying the spectacular view. As he made his way toward his grandparent’s apartment building he became fascinated with a woman standing near an open window. Protruding from the window was a box planter. From his view he can tell that the elderly woman took very good care of her flowers, because the colorful blooms cascaded the entire window sill. He took a few more steps, he gasped for air. His stomach gnawed with nervousness. He paused long enough to take a real close look at his mom’s picture that he took out of his wallet. The resemblance was undeniable even though there was a twenty five year difference between mom and daughter. His mind began to race, unsure of his next move. He fought the urge to back out with all of his might. Finally, he made up his mind.

“Guten morgen, mein name ist Jonny ich bin dein enkel.” Jonny’s grandmother instantly recognized her grandson. He still looks somewhat the same.   The azure blue, piercing blue eyes, the curly blond hair.   The slender frame, all of which Jonny inherited from his grandfather. Her heart fluttered with shame and regrets.    As she moved to embrace Jonny the silent tears flowed down her cheeks like a river. “I speak English,” she replied. “Please come in, have a seat.” Jonny carefully surveyed his grandmother’s apartment; much to his surprise was a photo of his mom and dad sitting in a corner on the baby grand piano. The apartment was very spacious and very well kept. Jonny sat down across from his grandmother. Before he could utter another word, his grandmother   bore her soul to him holding nothing back.  “You see, Jonny your grandfather held a very high position at the local university, he was afraid of what people would say. He was badly ridiculed when your mother married your father, he figured since you were already in America, that it was best for you to remain there.” This revelation gave Jonny a sick feeling in pit of his stomach, he also knew what is done is done, no sense on dwelling on past negatives.    He felt very saddened that his grandfather passed away six months ago.   He was determined to not let what happened to him to harden his heart. He reasoned that life is way too short to spend it holding on to hatred and malice.   Before departing he made sure to explain to his grandmother that he had forgiven her and her husband for any wrongdoings.

Jonny   fervently hugged his grandmother, and said, “I will pick you up for lunch tomorrow, and oh grandmother, where did you learn to speak English so well?” She smiled and said, “I studied it in high school and college.” “Very impressive, indeed “, replied Jonny.

Jonny returned to the United States with a partially bruised heart, he was happy to finally have met his maternal grandmother, but a part of him felt deprived and empty. He closed his eyes and tried to rein in his thankfulness for his adopted parents who so unconditionally loved him, from there his thoughts wandered to the countless number of foster kids currently waiting to be adopted. Christmas, he reasoned is only three months away. He paused, and silently said to himself   a lot of work to be done, no time to indulge in self-pity.

 

Written By :
Nicole Weaver
7/21/2009 © All Rights reserved