Dawson

For Dawson, a Bronze and a Chance to Find Birth Parents

After Toby Dawson completed his medal-winning ride, he removed his helmet triumphantly, possibly revealing his face to the birth parents who might have been watching on a television far away. Before the Olympics, Dawson placed 12 childhood photographs on nbcolympics.com, in the hope that a couple in South Korea would recognize some of the pictures.

Toby Dawson was found as an infant on the streets of Seoul, South Korea. He was brought to the United States and adopted as a 3-year old. Now that he's won the bronze medal in the men's moguls competition, he wants to pursue his search for his birth family.

As my husband and I watched his winning mogul ski race, the television cameras flashed at one point to Dawson's jubilant mom cheering on her son. They mentioned that she was his adoptive mom.

My husband knows me well. As I heard the newscaster mention Toby Dawson's adoptive mom, he knew that my thoughts would be drifting to his other mother - the mother who gave birth to him. After the image of Dawson’s mom appeared on the screen, my husband glanced over at me and asked, "I wonder where his birth mom is." I flashed him a pensive look with a slight sad smile and nodded my head, “Right,” I said, “I was thinking about her.”

Every step of the way as I have traveled down the path to reunion, educating myself, searching for answers and trying to heal, my husband has been there for me. In the early days of reunion, as I finally grieved the loss of my son, and sought some peace and resolution, he was my rock and comforted me. He drew bubble baths for me, brought me snacks and took up the slack when I was too distraught to perform my usual household chores. On my darkest days, he was always there to support and nurture me as I struggled.

Therefore, I suppose it is not too surprising that he would be aware that as the press highlighted Toby Dawson's adoptive mom, my mind would be elsewhere. His mom looked immensely happy and excited for her son and proud - so proud.

My husband was right. I could not help but remember that somewhere in this world, Toby Dawson does have another mother - who also would be very proud of her son. I wish him the best in his search for her!