This Reminds Me

Archive for May 11th, 2006

We said goodbye to the eight other children in Guanna-Now-Julia’s pod today with two cakes, juice boxes and lots of presents for everybody.  Some of the presents included pens and pencils enscribed, “Guanna Is Your Friend in Texas.”  The big hits were dolphin necklaces, Matchbox cars (“Machinas!  Machinas!”), mini Etch-A-Sketches, Play Doh and dolphin-themed pencil sharpeners.

We dressed Guanna-now-Julia in her choice of clothing:  Old Navy jeans with flowers on the bottom, a Guess shirt & sweatshirt (gotta love that Sam’s clearance), pink socks and – wonder of wonders – light up tennis shoes.  We left the too-big socks and underwear (wasn’t sure exactly what size to buy) and two pairs of light-up shoes that didn’t fit.

She stomped her feet all through lunch to see the lights.

Her friend Dimitri offered the group’s “wishes” for her - to be happy, to be healthy, to remember Russia, to love her sisters and obey her grandmother.

“Guanna is going to the United States with Mama and Papa.”

“Remember Russia.  Be happy.”

The orphanage director – who left her sick bed yesterday to testify for us – inscribed a book of Russian fairy tales for her, and talked to her before we left.  Much hugging; many good wishes; those transcend all language barriers.

We have had a teary afternoon since the translator left.  I am so glad.  We called the translator after about an hour of constant sobbing to ensure there wasn’t anything physically wrong – she spoke directly to Guanna-now-Julia.  We’d figured out potty and juice (“sock”) but she was so upset.  It was what we wanted it to be - she missed her friends, she missed “home.”  Good.  That is so normal.  That is so desired. We’d been saying since we first started reading about adoption that we wanted her to cry her eyes out when she left the orphanage.  And she has.  And she will again.  And we are glad.  And we will just deal with the tears as they come – because they should.  She bonded to them, she can bond to us.  It would only be scary if she weren’t crying.

Sometimes you have to say “goodbye” before you can really say “hello.”  Eventually, you will remember Russia.  And be happy.