Autism Treatment Center in Rural Armenia

Family preservation is the absolute best way to address the worldwide orphan crisis, but often families find themselves forced into placing their children into state care because they have no support to raise them.  A group of moms in Artashat, which is in rural Armenia, decided to be the change.  They have opened an Autism Therapy Center in hopes that their children with developmental special needs will receive some level of education and social participation rather than having to be hidden away at home.  

When I learned about these brave families and their mission, I knew immediately that I had to get involved.  With the help of several adoptive moms of Armenian-born children and other friends, we were able to collect over $800 worth of therapy equipment which will ship to Armenia in January.  We simply cannot wait to see the students there use all of these items.

If anyone reading this post is interested in helping as well, you can do so via GoFundMe here.

Therapy in progress at the center

Finally...

... a topic of interest to Littlest One and, of course, she excels.  #keepitalltheyear

Ready, Set, Surgery

*Update 11/26: Surgery went well and even a little better than expected.  Recovery was hard.  Big girl is finally feeling much better this morning.*

We're ready to go for a longer outpatient surgery this afternoon to repair and correct some orthopedic issues.

Please keep this brave girl in your thoughts for the next hours and days.

Bestie Movie Night

Oh, to be a preteen again.  Tonight's double feature at Martini Basement Cinemas: My Girl and Home Alone.

Emilia Together Forever Day 2019

Eight years ago today, I traveled through a snow storm and held on my lap a little girl who had just lost and gained everything. She was frozen not because of the biting cold, but because of deep fear.  Little did I know during those six long hours in a bumpy van the pain and love, heartache and joy that would lie ahead for her and our family.  And yet, even if I'd had that crystal ball, I would do it all again for this child because as she and I sing together...

... all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more...

(Christina Perri)

Nine Years Ago Today

Nine years ago today, I held my son for the first time.  I treasure this photo of our first moments together because I can remember exactly what I felt and I also remember what the caretakers told us through the translator, "He never lets anyone hold him close, you must be his mother."

I still have the privilege of holding him close and basking in the purity of his love.

Sometimes On Our Pillows...

... little notes of love.