In the letter to my son's other mother, which I referred to at the end of part 1,I told her what an amazing job she had done raising our son. I spoke of Chris being all that any mother could ever wish for in a son. She called it a beautiful letter - I wanted it to be. The more time that I spend with Chris, the more convinced I am that he is a most extraordinary young man, just as my other son is.

It is an interesting experience getting to know a child that you gave birth to, but did not raise. All the hopes and expectations that you have for a new baby in your life, you have for the child, now grown, that you meet at reunion. It is quite a transition from a tiny baby to a 6 ft. tall young man. You know too though, this person is your child, and you love them. It does not really matter what they are like.

When I first realized that I would have the chance to know my son, so many thoughts bounced around in my head wondering what he would be like. As I tried to imagine, only one concrete hope stayed with me. I hoped that he would have the gentle and kind heart of his birth dad. He does. It is his finest quality. Chris is thoughtful, kind and loving. Does anything else matter nearly as much? Not to me.

His heart is only a part of what he has to offer. Chris is bright, handsome, and outrageously funny. He has his own business and has led a charmed life. He has traveled the globe and lived his life to the fullest. Realizing that he appreciates and lives life to the max makes me exceedingly happy. I gave him life, and he has not squandered or wasted his life.

Chris has climbed mountains, skied, and tried all manner of adventure sports. A couple of years ago, he trained and participated in a triathalon in Chicago to help raise money for a charity he supports. I am glad that he lives, breathes and exists, and that I can now claim and know him as my son. Yes, I will celebrate his birthday today with much joy and a grateful heart. Did I mention that he likes to write?