Lina Day
One year ago today, I met Lina.
Was that the day I became her mother? I would argue that I was her mother before that day. That I traveled to China as Lina’s mother. That, in fact, everything I did up until then was leading me to her.
But I would also argue that I have spent the last year becoming her mama. Learning about her. Accepting her. Accepting myself. Figuring out how to be what she needs me to be.
My life has changed in ways I could not imagine, let alone predict.
One year ago today, a baby was placed into my arms. Today, a vibrant toddler runs toward me, shouting “Mama! Mama!â€
I drop to my knees. Hold my arms out to her. The world recedes. And when we embrace, in that sweet, sweet moment, time stops.
Happy Lina Day, little girl. I love you more every day. You bring me more joy than I knew one mama could have. I would have traveled to the ends of the earth to find you and bring you home. And if I ever need to, I will.
November 13th, 2006 at 22:56
[...] As Stephanie wrote in her Lina Day post, today is the anniversary of the day we met Lina. To celebrate, remember, and remind us of the changes over the past year, I put together a short video. It contains lots of pictures and a few short video clips from then to now. Looking back, I’m amazed at how much she’s changed, but then I guess it’s only fair as we’ve changed, too (it’s just not as obvious–at least to us). [...]
November 15th, 2006 at 21:40
I haven’t checked in since the summer but really enjoyed getting caught up. Oh My God, LINA’S HAIR! How do you stand such loveliness??
Congrats on your one year anniversary.
Kristine