A Big Thank You

As a fiercely independent woman who remained unmarried until the 40th year of my life, I have little experience in asking others for assistance, emotional support, advice, solace or help. However, the reality of initiating a 2 week visitation with the goal of culminating in the adoption of one 10 about to turn 11 year old Russian speaking Ukrainian born boy taught me the meaning of reliance on others for assistance, help, support and faith. I am very lucky, for you as one of those I turned to during this time, came through for me in so many ways, requested and unrequested, large and small, to do for me those things I could not do by myself, turning these last 2 weeks with our soon-to-be-son into the best weeks of my life. How does one say thank you to those who participate in so great a gift?

I don’t know that I can thank you, or let you know what you mean to me. The gifts are so varied and often not even recognized by you - the givers as gifts. So for all the many ways you have individually been my friend I thank you for the parts you’ve played thus far. For the cookies baked, the papers processed, the words of comfort, the telephone calls, the translated discussions, the presents given, the time spent during a busy time of year, the offers of help made and followed up on, the letters written, the pictures emailed, the excitement shared, the experiences relayed, the faith revealed and renewed – for all these things and more I extend my profound appreciation for the part you play in my life as Randy and I take this exciting step into parenthood.

Alex had a grand time during his visit. I know this because I watched him regale his friend and translator with a 20 minute animated burst of Russian towards the end of his visit, punctuated by great smiles, large grins, and soulful pleadings along with the occasional word I recognized like Babushaka, Hummer, cookie sprinkles, Svetta, Chuck E Cheese, Vrrrmmm-Vrrrmmm, ploho aeroplane, cousins, fooootball, SonyPlayStation and of course, the internationally known MickeyD’s. Yes, Randy actually went to McDonald’s and ate dinner there – twice – during the time Alex was with us.

Alex did have to leave, and it saddened us all. Alex tried not to get up the morning of his departure. Randy looked mournful. I cried at the airport. But as it always does, that which is irrespective of individual wants, needs and desires – time, marched forward and he departed from Atlanta to return to Ukraine.

We know we will see him soon and when we do our time together will not end, for we will be bringing him home. And home it will be, for he has captured our hearts and found souls that resonate with his. He comes to us well formed – independent, intelligent, focused, determined, athletic, funny, fun-loving, capable – he has much talent. We will love him, nourish his soul as it continues to bloom, support his needs as he finds his talents and allow him to become that which he wishes to be.

I am ever so grateful to a loving God who answers our prayers and provides what we need, not what we ask for. I am ever so grateful to the spirit of the Universe which does for me that which I can not do for myself. I am grateful for the Christ which shows me the way of love and continually encourages me even when I am unable to follow his path. And I am grateful to you, my friends, on this journey through time and space which we call life. Thank you and may 2006 bring you much joy.