January 18, 2011

Reliving the Moments–Part 3

I think I woke up with a sense of excitement.  I remember feeling nervous, but not completely.  Just unsure about the unknown…

I know we went to the hotel restaurant for breakfast.  But I was too amped up to eat much.

I remember methodically putting things in order.  The diaper bag and all its contents.  The clothes I had been carefully worshipping over the course of five years.  The bottles I was sure she would love.  The toys I thought wouldn’t over stimulate, but instead would fascinate and entertain her.  Putting them in order and organizing our hotel room.   Making up her bed with things I thought she might like.  A stuffed elephant.  A rattle with dangling teethers.  A warm and very pink blanket. 

I showered.  I prepared myself to meet my daughter.  Tried to make myself look nice for her.  Anton was there – organizing paperwork and preparing cameras.  Calm.  Nervous.  A combination of the two.

We met our guide and the other eight travel families in the lobby of the hotel.  Bright and early.  It was really remarkable how much tension, excitement and palpable feeling was in the air amongst all of us. 

IMG_0523

We boarded a bus and sat in complete eagerness and raw nerves.  There was quite a bit of picture taking, even on the ride over.  There was anxious chatter among the families.  Nervous laughter.  And I sat, looking out the window…wondering how my life was about to change again.  Remembering how much it had changed just a year and a half earlier with my amazing little son.  Wondering if this would be the same.   But feeling like all would be well.  That she, Keira, would be fine.  Too young to know and all that.  Too young to be overly anything, really. 

IMG_0526

Every step took forever.  I remember getting off the bus and feeling rather “been there, done that” with the experience.  Thinking I knew what to expect.  Thinking I was prepared.  Which, as it turned out, was really foolish thinking.  I had neither been there…nor done what I was about to. 

IMG_0528

Walking into the building, riding a cramped elevator, walking around corners or through a hallway.  Into a small conference type room.  All of us filing in and moving to certain spots.  Hearing each name being called and each family moving forward to grasp hold of a new life.  And finally, Anton saying “here she is” before I could move into place. 

IMG_0533

IMG_0534

At first, I thought “is that her?”  It was hard to tell.  But then the cheeks – you couldn’t really mistake those delicious cheeks.  It was her, and she was beautiful.  And so very unhappy. 

Now…
we’ve come to a portion of my remembering wherein I will only say that this story was written in great detail last year.  You can re-live our bonding experience by clicking the following links:


It was a difficult journey for us.  Riddled with pain and adjustments.  Covered in love from home, comfort from our travel families, and the great commission we gave to ourselves which pretty much equaled just getting through and getting back home.

Still, I get to look at these pictures today with such greater perspective.  And a remarkable love for a remarkable little girl that lives deep in my heart.  Someone who grieved deeply, because she knew what love was.   And I am so thankful.  Because she loves deeply today. 

IMG_0535 IMG_0536 IMG_0537
IMG_0538 IMG_0542 IMG_0543

I look at that pain in her face – fear, grief…and I wish I could soak it all up for her.  On the other hand, I know deep in my heart – it was her journey.  Just like mine was to love her. 

IMG_0544 IMG_0555 IMG_0559
IMG_0545 IMG_0546 IMG_0548

And I remember this day with a sense of bittersweet emotion. 

So lovely, because she became part of us
Sad, because she grieved so much…so hard
Lovely because we finally had our sweet little girl in our arms after so long
Sad, because she rejected us on so many levels those first weeks
Lovely because I believed in my heart it would get better
Sad, because of everything she lost that day – things I don’t think I can ever give back to her
Lovely….so lovely…because of everything we all gained that day – despite the pain and sadness and brokenness we were all feeling. 

IMG_0581

And today?  Well, that’s for tomorrow.  I’m happy to show you how Keira is doing one year later.  Excited to show you and tell you all that she has accomplished.  Happy to be her proud Momma. 

But for today, I’m just remembering how much it cost her to be here with us.  Remembering the pain this day brought all of us.  And the great joy that this day ultimately represents.  Because painful though it was, it was most notably the day we became the family we are today.  And that’s so worth remembering.

And how much we love her.  Remembering that most of all…

Happy One Year Home sweet baby…I am moved with compassion for your life and your loss.  And so thankful to God above for sending you to me. 

12 comments :

Holly said...

Oh Christie. I've said it a hundred times but I'll say it again- you have a gift with words. My first China adoption was my 3rd child and my first adoption and it was for my son, Josiah. Seemed like everyone else was adopting girls but God had entrusted us with a son. He didn't seem to grieve at all. He was very quiet and reserved but nothing like Miss Personality (Elaina) whose broken heart broke mine just watching her grieve. It was awful and I thank God that she was not my first adoption and that I was prepared as much as I could be for what she went through.
But just today Christie, because of you- your photos, your words...I can honestly say for the first time since adopting Elaina from China just months ago in October, I WANT to go back. China is in my heart!
I have mixed feelings about that but it doesn't matter. I have no idea what the Lord has planned. I do know what my hubby has planned and another adoption is NOT it! :)
After being at the cardiologist today with my little girl and having her say, "Mei Mei Mama heart lubba-lu Ma" meaning she loves me...well I knew something was happening inside of me...and I so long for every orphaned child to belong.
I am so blessed as are you.
Love your little part of the web!
Holly

Shannon said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
sweet momma luv u said...

Hi Christy,

I love this post ! It was so beautiful. As I am reading it and looking at the pictures where you are is so familiar.... So, I had to look up where Keira is from. I recognized the Dolton and the Hunan CCAA. It brought back tears to my eyes. Our little guy was adopted from Hunan also just last March 1st. He is from Zhuzhou CWI. Where is Keira from?

She is so beautiful and full of joy! What a blessing our children are.
Jody

Ashley said...

Beautiful!

Christie said...

Yes Jody, she's from Hunan. Pingjiang WI. Thanks for all the kind words!

We had a lovely day celebrating her!

Valerie said...

Happy Gotcha Day to a very special little spirit.

It all makes sense in retrospect doesn't it? That was a moment in time but not the whole pictue, who would have known the bundle of joy waiting to come out and show the world her very bright and happy light.

Your family is so easy to love.

Love Valerie

Unknown said...

Your blog is really opening my eyes to the realities of the poor babies who lose so much at such a tender age! It makes my heart ache... Thank you for your courage in sharing.

Eloise said...

It's so much more fun reliving this journey with you knowing that it has a happy ending! I remember all too well the heartache and the pain of the last year, and I admire you so for how gracefully and candidly you addressed the situation.

February? Lunch? Dinner? Drink? You & me?

:)

K~ said...

Happy Family Day! Today is the day when we signed our paperwork! :) Thanks for posting the pic of us. I love looking at everyone's pics they are so different yet the same. :)

Kayce said...

Loving reading your thoughts a year later! So many similar feelings and thoughts. Happy one year!!

Ashley said...

I ready your beginning, middle and ending story and it just broke my heart! I know your bond has to be so much stronger after going through all of that. What an amazing story and such a lucky little girl. By the way, I nominated you for an award over at my blog!

Anonymous said...

Awe.
Terri