Yesterday, on Valentine’s Day, The New York Times Modern Love column featured my story—Looking at a Stranger and Seeing Myself. It will appear in print this Sunday.
There have been many times in my life when I have been presented with wild and unimaginable opportunities—sometimes in the form of challenges, sometimes in the form of offers. At each of these intersections, I have been acutely aware that saying yes and leaning in would change the course of my life.
In November, I told a story at a Pivot Spokane main-stage event. That night, I put my story out into the world. For me, it was a love letter to and a beacon for everyone who may need a reminder that we are all connected and there is abiding love in this world. It was also a thank you to all the people who played a role in the unfolding of events that made this my life.
A few months later, Daniel Jones, the editor of The New York Times Modern Love column, sent me a note in response to that thank you. He had watched my story on YouTube. It had moved him. He asked me to write it and submit it for his consideration. I said yes.
I did not think anything would come of this. But it did, and quickly. When he reached out again, two weeks ago, he had already edited it. We were moving ahead. I couldn’t figure out why we were doing this right now. Talking to the Love Guy just before Valentine’s Day felt like talking to Santa Claus just before Christmas. I thought we’d be aiming for Mother’s Day… up until the moment he told me that this is what he was going to feature on Valentine’s Day.
“I like to go against programming,” he said. “We’re going to make people cry.”
Working with Dan was an honor. Telling my story in the first place was an honor (thank you, Pivot people). Living this amazing reunion with my birth mother was, truly and deeply, an honor.
I am so grateful for love. Happy Valentine’s Day.
Mission accomplished, Dan – I cried! What a beautiful piece. Thank you for sharing it with the world, Marit.
Thank you for reading, Kathy, and for your kind comment.
I just read your story in the Times and was moved enough to look you up online. I loved seeing the picture of your mom, you have the same smile. Peace to you both.
Thank you, Kelly!
I was deeply moved by your article in the times.
Thank you so much for letting me know, Divya.
You absolutely rang the bell of love
Thanks, Mike.
This is so touching and genuine and courageous and beautifully told. I read and cried and listened and cried. I thought of when I lost my own dear mom, almost 20 years ago. Thank you. ❤️
What a lovely note. I really appreciate your kind words, Kris, and I love that you felt so deeply. Thank you.
Love the picture. SO Rose. Lol
So grateful that your story came together — at last.
Hugs
Thank you, Susan. And so grateful for your role in all of this. Thank you for everything!
Like many others, I, too, read your story in the NY Times, and then looked up your website and your story. And I, too, am adopted and have recently reunited with my birth mother and was also moved to tears both reading and listening to your heart-centered story. Thank you so much for sharing something so intimate.
Hi, Samantha. Thanks so much for taking the time to find me and share your response to our story. Love to you and your birth mother.