Tuesday, February 18, 2014

I'm not sure where to start

I can't begin to describe this evening. About a week ago, I casually was googling Robbie Upchurch; my biological dad when I came across a man that sort of favored my features. I clicked on his name and sent a quick message trying to see if he would even respond. As I sat in class working on a project, I clicked on my phone and saw that I had an email back from the remax realtor named Rob Upchurch I had messaged only 5 minutes or so before. Eventually I asked if he knew a lady named Gina Mangum. He quickly replied with, "I did if her maiden name was Lassiter." As I scanned my eyes back and forth over that sentence, I begin to breath deeply and stared at my phone in shock. Even my graphic design teacher could tell something was up with me and asked if I was stressed. I took a moment to soak it all in and replied to him by bluntly asking if he had a child with her. I thought I was being all sly and pushing him into a corner with that question til I remembered that my email address had my full name in it. So naive sometimes. He replied by telling me that he would answer any questions I might have if I would call him when I was ready. I about peed on myself, cried, jumped up and down, passed out, left the room, texted my mom... basically I lost all sense of saneness I had. It took me a few days to soak it all in and even then I still just stared at his number. I wrote it down on a notecard, I figured that was a start and stuck it in my pocket. I reached in my jacket pocket and played with the notecard considering and pondering what the heck I was gonna say first if I ever worked up the nerve to call him. I took it out of my pocket, set it on the counter top and begin doing anything around my apartment I could to distract myself before attempting to call while I studied. Finally I punched in the number and pushed call before I could think twice for the 100th or so time. He didn't answer. I didn't prepare to leave a message but when I heard the beep, I felt obliged to leave a message so I did. I sounded quiet, innocent, and nervous as I asked him to call back when he got a chance if he wanted to talk sometime. I proceeded with my evening taking multiple online quizzes trying to not feel disappointed. I told myself I shouldn't get too disappointed if it doesn't happen or go anywhere because I had grown up being told that I should prepare for this man to most likely not crave true envolvement in my life. This man doesn't know me so why start anew?? However, about thirty minutes later, I looked down and saw his area code calling. I stopped breathing as I mustered a hello. He said is this Josie? I nervously tried to make conversation and then it all of a sudden clicked and the nerves begin to go away. He asked me about everything under the sun. He explained and went into detail about the situation at hand when he was signing away his rights. He explained that he never wanted me to feel as if he abandoned me or just left the picture for selfish reasons. That he has had me on his mind every day and has prayed for me countless times. That there were days when he drove halfway to Montgomery with the mindset that he was going to find me but that fear would take over and he would turn back around knowing that I was happy with the father that God has given me and the love and trust that he has provided. That was kind of a shock to hear. He would look me up online or see my moms facebook profile. That there were days when he simply wondered what I was up to that day or in general. The excitement in his voice about made me cry. I never imagined finding him, better yet having him welcome me with open arms. He told me that hearing from me has lifted a burden he has been carrying wondering and worrying about me and what happened. Knowing that we don't deserve such grace; especially after something happening that would be considered immoral and a sin getting someone pregnant outside of marriage. But God turned it all around. He blessed my mom with the right man, a man that evens her out and also compliments her character and her interests. He blessed me with having this man as my father; a man I could never replace or ask for better. He blessed Robbie with the opportunity to marry his high school sweetheart, do what he loves, and have three wonderful kids. Whom all are excited and looking forward to meeting me. I swear its just too much! God is so gracious to us.

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