A Letter To My Daughter

To My Dear Lina:

It feels like only yesterday that we met you in the Karachev Baby Home in Bryansk. I remember not getting much sleep the night before our big day. Even though there were two very small beds in our hotel room, I snuck onto Papa’s bed as I was so nervous to meet you that I did not want to be alone. On our way to the office to get all of your information, we were told that our new child (you) was a girl. I wish I could have taken a picture of Papa’s face. He was already in love with you at that point! I think I even saw a tear in his eye. On the other hand, my face had the look of complete fear! I looked at Papa and said, “A girl? I can’t even braid hair!” He laughed at me and told me not to worry.

Driving through the town of Karachev made me sad. The houses there are run down and the people that live there are poor. Though, when we pulled into the baby home’s driveway, we noticed that lilac trees lined the way and there were beautiful tulip gardens on the grounds. When we first walked into the baby home, the smell of boiled cabbage filled the air. This was a popular food for you and the other children, though I don’t think I’ve made it for us since you have been home.

I could tell that even before we met you that you were a very special child. I knew that all of the baby home caregivers really loved you. When they would talk about you, they would smile, and though your full name was Angelina, they affectionately called you “Galina” for short. We were nervously sitting in the baby home’s recreation room when your favorite caregiver, Valentina, brought you in. Immediately, you ran to me, took my hand and started to dance. For an hour we walked and danced around the room. You smiled; we smiled back and took lots and lots of photos. From the moment you walked into the room, I knew that you, Papa and I were meant to be together forever. It was time for your nap, so they took you away from us. You left the room as happily as you came into it, and I knew how truly lucky Papa and I were.

That night after meeting you, Papa and I had a celebration dinner at the Italian restaurant in the center of Bryansk. We talked and talked about you and our plans for the future. We were so excited. I don’t think I slept for the remainder of the trip. I did not cry for you until we were on the plane back to home. I cried many times on the plane. They were tears of tiredness, relief, and (most of all) tears of true happiness.

I can’t believe how much you have changed our lives over this past year, Lina. You have brought Papa and I so much joy, and a happiness unmatched by anything or anyone. With you came the most precious gift a couple could get, the gift of a child, and we treasure you each and every minute. It is such a joy to be your Mama, and I only hope that I can show you endlessly how much you are loved and appreciated.

Before flying to Russia to meet you, Papa and I were told that there was a child waiting for us who they felt would be a “good fit” for us. I’m not sure how they knew the three of us would fit so well together, but I am thankful for this and for you.

I love you,

Mama

Lina's Database Photo...from a few months before we met her. I pulled it off of the website before they took her off after our adoption.

A few of my favorite pictures of the day we met Lina. The one with her and Ken at the top of my post is my absolute favorite photo ever!

A few pictures of Lina now.