You’re A Real Mutha, Ya’ Know?

Tomorrow is my second Mother’s Day with Tatiana.  She’s now been home in the United States for over 13 months.  It’s hard for me to believe it’s ONLY been 13 months, as I feel like we’ve been together forever. 

While I wish I could tell her someday that I was there for every moment of her life, I am so eternally grateful for every moment we have spent together.  And so tonight, I have to give thanks.  Thank you to all who made my life with Tatiana possible. 

First to my mom, aka Gramma Darlin, who helped with SO much, and continues to help everyday.  It truly does “Take a Village to Raise a Child” (props to Hillary Rodham Clinton for that!).  Gramma Darlin was the silent, behind the scenes success during Tatiana’s adoption – with all kinds of support, emotional, physical and financial!

I cannot forget Aunt “Whonda”, who flew around the world TWICE to bring home this special little Russian sprite.  Not only did she tolerate my midnight ramblings during VERY strung out adjustments to new time zones, but she helped keep me sane on BOTH trips during stressful moments – and there were LOTS! 

Of course I have to mention Lorien, specifically, at Lighthouse Adoptions.  Yes, I am biased, but I think she’s one of the best in her field.  Having adopted twice, she GETS IT, from the perspective of the adoptive parent.  And along with Lorien, the entire LSS staff in Vladivostok:  Ivan, Sergei, Kate, Elena and Luba.  You are my Russian family!

To you, my fellow bloggers and friends… you also helped me more than you know.  I lived vicariously through so many of you while waiting the horrible wait.  Angie & Tamara, my Lighthouse sisters – you are fabulous!  Sara/Stephen, Heidi/Mike, Phyllis/Ed, Lisa/Andrew, Daniela/Chris & Jeanette, who all helped make Vladivostok special for me, thank you!

And finally, the largest thank you of them all.  On this, my second Mother’s Day, while enjoying the wonder and beauty of my precious girl, I have to thank Svetlana K.  Svetlana is the woman who gave birth to my gorgeous girl.  While I may not love all the things that transpired during her pregnancy and shortly thereafter, she made my dream come true.  We may never meet, and I have no idea what her life holds for her right now, but I wish her nothing but the best.   In your honor today, Svetlana, I donated on your behalf to the SPOON Foundation, a non profit organization that helps with nutritional issues of orphans around the world. 

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mother’s out there, present and future.