And surprisingly, Rex didn't seem to mind as he was otherwise occupied.
Should I count this as her first time of playing doctor?
Today Emilia called me Mama for the first time. And I don’t mean that she just articulated two random syllables, but that she used the word deliberately, conscious of who she meant: me. My heart skipped a beat when it happened because Mama in my family is a term of utter love and admiration.
For as far back as we know in my own Mama’s family, four generations of women have been called Mama by their children. Not Mutter or Mutti, but Mama which is so much more gentle and adoring. And these women to me have all been role models of strength, courage, and dedication. Between them, they survived two world wars, starvation and typhoid. Some became widows at young ages. They worked as cooks and servants and field hands. They were displaced by war and lost all their possessions, including their house which was burnt to the ground during battle. One suffered repeated physical abuse from her in-laws and another was denied a college education on the grounds that her voice was too quiet. They lived through half a dozen different regimes on German soil and used at least as many different currencies within ever-changing borders.
Despite it all, between the four of them, they raised ten daughters and two sons, me included, with selfless, loving guidance and devotion. Each of these children even as adults adore(d) their Mamas and reflect(ed) their upbringing in their life choices. Today my little Emilia called me Mama and I will do whatever I can to prove myself worthy of the name, worthy of being added to this line of incredible women who came before me and whose examples will influence my own path of motherhood.
Today I want to introduce you to a teenager who is looking for her forever parents. She is almost 14 years old and lives in one of my children’s birth countries. A family had committed to her, but then changed its mind. Could you or someone you know be her mom or dad?
B is described as a physically healthy child with no problems in neuro-psychic development. She is said to be vibrant, positive, energetic, well-intentioned, outgoing, and confident. She has a rich vocabulary and easily connects with those around her. She gladly participates in group activities, cultural events, and teamwork. B could use some help with her academic efforts and would benefit from a stable, supportive family environment where she can feel safe and protected.
B does not have much time left. If not adopted, in a few years she will age out of the orphanage. In that case, she will be alone and her future looks bleak. Sex or slave trafficking, prostitution, crime, drug use, suicide, and alcohol abuse are all on the horizon for her. She may not live to see her 20th birthday. Please do not let this be B’s fate. Spread the word about her and help me search for her forever family. She would make a wonderful daughter for those willing to open their hearts and home to her.
B’s international fees have been reduced to just 1000 Euros! For more details, including a full medical report, contact info@hopscotchadoptions.org.
As you may remember, two weeks ago Emilia got sick and had a very rough week. She was sleeping a lot and eating/drinking very little which resulted in a four pound weight loss. When Emilia was on the verge of hospitalization for dehydration, we took drastic measures at home to get her re-hydrated. We spent hours spooning liquids into her mouth under much protest from her, but it worked. After she took the initial 22 ounces, she started being interested in eating and drinking again and would even sit in her high chair for meals rather than having to be held like an infant. The last few days she’s met her daily caloric and fluid needs, but it will take a long time to bring her back up to 20 pounds. I think we need to buy a better scale for our home to monitor her weight between doctor’s visits.
The upside of Emilia’s illness was that it helped us make a leap forward in attachment. My holding her and comforting her so much and sleeping with her at night must have assured her that I really am here to stay even through the tough times. Since Emilia has been feeling better, a number of people have noted a greater closeness between us and I feel it, too.
I am so glad that Emilia is feeling good again and back to her sweet, demanding, loving personality. Life was not the same without her laughter and hugs in it.
