In the Chinese Adoption world, that stands for Log In Date. For my second adoption my LID was 12 2006. I started in the regular program but told Children's Home that I was open to Special Needs. At the time I submitted my paperwork I think the wait for a healthy child was close to two years. In letting them know I was open to special needs, I got Ella's referral in January of 2007. Well a week or so ago we ran into Greta and Flynn. Greta and I would have been in the same travel group if we had stayed with the non special needs path. Well Greta told me that China was just now matching families with children from LID of ours. So the wait would have been almost 9 years to adopt a non special needs child from China. Instead I adopted Ella and she was home with us May 2007. Greta adopted Flynn in 2009. I can't imagine any other result for my family. Ella is exactly who Elizabeth and I were waiting for and all these years later we are a tight family with all that entails. Thank you Greta for letting me know - its a nice ending to our adoption story. I am so glad we are all still in touch with each other and get to see our daughters grow up.
We ran into Greta and Flynn at CNY celebration for the girls' old school. A few weeks earlier I had asked the girls if they wanted to go. Elizabeth said yes and Ella said probably not. So I suggested a babysitter and then Elizabeth and I would go. Well Ella changed her mind. I fear she felt forced to change her mind and I am sorry she felt that way. I really thought she would be ok. I was partly wrong.
The performance was great as usual and the girls saw some old friends as did I. The down side was Ella was very anxious about seeing her old 2nd grade teacher. I supported her in avoiding this lady because she was not a sweet teacher - she was strict and demanded perfection and let the kids know they were not meeting her expectations of perfection (2nd graders). I thought we would be able to go to the performance and not see her. Well, she was there but we were able to avoid having her see us. After it was done and we were out of there, Ella told me she felt calm now. As we discussed that night, I hope she comes to see that she did great that night. That lady has no influence in our life anymore and should have no power anymore. Proud of you Ella. Proud of you too Elizabeth. I know it was hard hearing Ella's worries but you were very patient.
We also went out to eat at our favorite place. I had thought we were going to meet up with one of our friends but that didn't turn out. So, I decided to surprise the girls by going to the place we used to go to all the time. They call it The Great Wall Chinese place. The real name is Willow Gate. Great place. Anyway, when we walked in they remembered us and noted how the two have grown. That kind of surprised Elizabeth that they would remember us but we really did go there alot.
One of the picture's from Ella's orphanage.
May 2007 the first day home from China
This is why they call Willow Gate the Great Wall - miniature wall outside.
Our selfie on 2/28/15. Happy New Year.
1 comment:
Joan,
Your post brought tears to my eyes. We are so blessed to have our girls. The adoption path for both of us was stressful, confusing, and not what we expected. But we listened to our hearts and found the girls we were meant to call our daughters.
Ella and Elizabeth are such sweet, special girls--just like their mother. My friendship with your family is another blessing that came from the adoption journey.
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