How We Met
We have an special love story: We lived 7,000 miles apart and met via the Internet. In 1999, Don was in San Francisco, California and Flor was in Manila, Philippines. After lots of letters and many more phone calls, we finally met face to face. We laugh now looking back at our first encounter at the airport; an awkward and nervous moment at best, yet within two weeks we knew it was ‘meant to be’ and Don proposed. Seven months later we were married in Florenda’s hometown, proof that two people, although worlds apart, can bond in a happy and loving relationship. After a few years of cramped apartment life in San Francisco, we purchased a great home in Hayward, California in 2003 and have continued working hard to create a secure and comfortable life for a future family.
Our Home
Hayward is located in the San Francisco Bay Area. We live in a family-oriented community that is culturally and ethnically diverse. We have a beautiful backyard just waiting to be filled with the happy sounds of a child at play. Schools and parks are close by in addition to the regional advantages of having the ‘City’, the ocean, the mountains, and tons of recreational opportunities within easy reach — there’s never a shortage of “family activities” here!
Why Open Adoption
Life has been good to us in so many regards except one, having our own child. Adoption offers us the opportunity to become a family and feel the joy of parenting. We like the concept of ‘Open Adoption’ because we feel it’s natural and healthy for any child to know from whom they came, and to know their history. We are open to maintaining a level of contact through the years that you feel comfortable with.
Flor on Don: Don works as a Departmental Director at a children’s hospital. His work schedule matches mine, so we have a lot of quality time together. What impresses me most about Don is his compassion towards others. For years now, he has sponsored three children in Third World countries through a charitable organization that provides educational and healthcare opportunities. Although generally a more ‘serious’ person than me, Don has a subtle sense of humor that can always bring me a smile when I need it the most! He’s the one I can lean on – the ‘rock’ of the family. Don has previously raised a family and seen his children to successful adulthood, so he comes with years of fatherhood under his belt! He looks forward to taking his child to ‘Gymboree’ and later teaching him or her to ride a bike. Don’s hobbies are computers and photography, and, on occasion, he takes on the challenge of a daring mountain bike ride! His favorite time of year is Christmas, when he goes all out on the house decorations, usually wining the neighborhood contest. As Don says, “Christmas is for kids, even if they’re BIG kids like me”!
Don on Flor:Three words: “Great future Mom”! As a Registered Midwife in the Philippines, Flor worked for 13 years raising from infancy the child of a wealthy family, so she comes with years of ‘kid experience’! She looks forward to singing to her baby, fun times in the park, and early educational activities (including teaching him or her a second language). For the past six years, Flor has worked as a Medical Assistant for Kaiser Medical Group and loves her job! She’s a kind and considerate person, putting other’s needs before her own. There’s always a laugh and a smile; she’s the person who everyone loves!! In addition, Flor is an avid gardener and a most wonderful cook! You ought to taste her pork ribs – yum! What do I love most about Flor? She brings out the very best out in me, but still let’s me be me! What more could a husband ask for!