As my oldest child prepares
for confirmation, one of the activities on the confirmation retreat was a quiet
time of reflection; where you read “love letters” written by friends and
family.
Lately, she has talked a lot
about her birthmother. Being adopted from Russia makes it almost impossible
for any form of communication, but I really felt that her birthmother needed to
be included. I ended up writing two letters to Callie: one that told her all
the things I wanted say to her, and a second one where I tried to speak on her
birthmother’s behalf.
Dear Lubov,
If your birthmother: Tatyana was her to see you,
she would be so very proud of you.
She would be happy to know that you have become a
strong, amazing young women. To know that perhaps you have her hair, her eyes,
or dimples when you smile.
Seeing how beautiful you are would make her smile with
pride.
She would love to watch you dance and see how graceful
you look on stage and to know that you have her talent. It would bring her
great joy to know that you have the opportunity to be a great dancer- if you
work hard.
She would say do your homework, mind your mom and dad, clean your room, eat
your vegetables, and all those other things that Mom’s say to their
children.
She would want you to be happy with your life in
America, but most of all, it would make her heart happy to know that you are
loved by so many people; your family.
She would smile and maybe we would see her dimples.
Labels: bonding, international adoption, Keepsake, Mom's, Positive Words, Russian adoptions