PORT ANGELES — After 10 days of longing to touch her newly adopted baby, Sherie Maddox’s motherly anticipation was rewarded Sunday.

Tears of joy flowed.

Having to stay at least five feet away from the child since the girl’s arrival from China on May 23, Mrs. Maddox could only imagine — but soon learned — that 10-month-old Maile’s skin was indeed like touching velvet.

She hugged the newly adopted baby for the first time since Maile arrived in the arms of her new father, Timmy Maddox.

After their return to Maile’s home off Mount Angeles Road, her father chose to observe a 10-day isolation period by living in a 29-foot trailer near their house.

That would ensure he and the baby did not spread SARS, if she was infected.

Turns out everything is fine.

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The rest of the story appears in the Monday Peninsula Daily News. Click on SUBSCRIBE, above, to get the PDN delivered to your home or office.