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Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Happy Adoption Day to My Daughter!

When they say time flies, they are really not kidding! On January 19, 1997 in a beautiful hotel in Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China, I first laid my eyes on my very first daughter. I remember it like it was yesterday. The myriad of emotions I felt are still with me on this anniversary. I remember feeling scared and panicky after arriving in China. What on earth made me think I could do this all by myself?! But, when they handed me this tiny little bundle of sweetness, I looked down on her and fell in love. She was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. I was so overwhelmed with emotion, I thought my heart would burst. I was suddenly a mom! This was something I never thought I would be. Now, 19 years later, I still get that feeling when I look at both of my girls. Below, is the picture I received from China (called a referral photo). 

Alyssa Li Lan Referral Photo
She has grown to be a beautiful young woman. She is a wonderful artist, a caring individual and a joy to be around (well, most of the time!) Here she is now:



On the 5 year anniversary of her adoption in 2002, I wrote the below poem to help her to understand a little about her start in life and how we became a family:

5 Years Ago

5 years ago I took a trip all the way across the sea
And on that trip I first met you and we became a family.
I'd prayed and prayed that someday I would be a Mom
And the Lord, He gave His answer but I did not know where from.

Meanwhile somewhere in China a woman had a baby girl,
But, alas, the laws of that country would not let her keep her pearl.
So one sad day she took you to the Guixi Children's Home,
And she kissed you and said "I love you" and she prayed for you a 
home.

She said she would remember you, she hoped you'd understand
That she must leave you now so that your life could be more grand.
On that day God planted a seed that could not be torn apart,
And you were born again, but this time in my heart.

Now came a day in November of 1996
That the postman brought your picture and my heart was filled with bliss.
I cried and held you deeply right there in my heart,
Until the day when I could board the plane for China to depart.

There were so many stops that were made along the way,
From Detroit to Chicago then on to L.A.
Then finally on to China where our hearts and eyes would meet,
In a hotel known as the Lakeview where others go to greet.

My heart jumped with joy as I saw you across the room,
Then I waited 'til they called my name which happened very soon.
Then I held you close and looked as you cried there in my arms
And I tried so hard to reassure you that you'd never come to harm.

Somewhere in the scurry of that very busy day,
You laid your head upon my chest as if you were to say,
"I know you are my mommy and I trust you now you see,
I will hold on to you tightly and let you take care of me!"

So on that day 5 years ago our hearts began to bond
Ever growing with love so wonderful a gift from the great beyond.
Now as I watch you sleeping in our home in Michigan,
My heart fills with joy as I remember that special day again.

I thank God for His angel and its true now that I know,
That the years and years of waiting were His own way to show
That in his gracious wisdom it was always meant to be
For us to be together as a forever family.


Thanks for letting me share this moment with you all!

44 comments:

  1. OK, Phyllis did you really mean to make me get a lump in my throat :-) Sweet! HAPPY ADOPTION DAY!

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  2. A beautiful story, a beautiful girl, a beautiful mom. *tears*

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    1. Thanks! Reading this poem again brings tears to my eyes even though I wrote it!

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  3. Oh Phyllis that is so beautiful almost bringing tears to my eyes! What a wonderful written gift to give to your lovely daughter to always remember the intense unconditional love you immediately felt for each other. Happy Adoption Day. :) xoxo

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  4. Bardzo się cieszę - Twoim i Twojej Córki - Szczęściem! Dużo zdrowia, pomyślności i radosnych dni!
    Wiersz pełen emocji i bardzo poruszający!
    Pozdrawiam Was serdecznie!

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    1. Thank you so much, Olla! I am glad that you think my poem is moving!

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  5. What a lovely story and poem Phyllis. So glad it all worked out so well.

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  6. the poem really thouched my heart.So wonderful story.thanks for share with us

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  7. Thank you for sharing this with us. I hope you and your daughters had a really lovely day. (In Australia, the 26th January is also Australia Day so it's a very special day for us too.)

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    1. I am glad you enjoyed reading my poem. We did have a very nice day. Thanks!

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  8. Wow...This is beautiful!! I have tears in my eyes. I know the joys that God can/will bring. Your Alyssa is pretty!!

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    1. Thank you! It made me cry too. Seems like yesterday, but now she is in college.

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  9. Such a beautiful and touching post. Your daughter is the ultimate doll! You are so blessed. Thank you for sharing.

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  10. Where are my tissues? Wow, I am so happy the two of you found each other. God bless you for opening up your heart and home to children in need. Happy adoption day!

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    1. Thanks Vanessa! I am so happy I was able to do this. My kids really are the best of me!

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  11. Dear Phyllis! Thank You for sharing this heartwarming story and the lovely poem! You've choosen a beautiful way to explain how You became a family. It touched my heart. Your daughter is a very pretty girl! :)

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    1. I think she appreciates the poem more now than she did at 5!

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  12. Beautiful story, beautiful daughter, and beautiful poem.

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    1. Thank you, Jewell. It really did come from my heart!

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  13. Happy and beautiful story! Your daughter is one year younger than my stepdaughter, who I consider to be my 'real' daughter in every way too. What a beautiful and touching story. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Lisa, I am glad that you were touched by our story. I believe that blood is NOT what makes you a parent!

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  14. That is truly the sweetest poem! She so lucky to have a mother like you. It's important for all kids to know they are always loved.

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  17. Your girls are so special. They are so lucky to have you for their Mom! I am so fortunate to be their Aunt...

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    1. I feel like I am the lucky one. To have the privilege of being their Mom!

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  18. Aww, this is so sweet. Your daughter has grown into a very beautiful young lady!

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  19. Hello from Spain: lovely words. Happy Adoption Day. Keep in touch

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  20. Happy Family Anniversary! Thanks for sharing your story. :)

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  21. A belated Happy Adoption Day Phyllis, thanks for sharing. You moved me, and she's such a beautiful girl!!!
    A huge kiss
    Billa

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    1. I am glad you were moved by our story. Thanks!

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  22. What a beautiful post, Phyllis. I love the poem. Happy Adoption Day!

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    1. So happy you were touched by my poem! Thanks!

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  23. Wow, so full of love, this poem, Phyllis! So beautiful... Got me teary eyed right now =)

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  24. Wow, so full of love, this poem, Phyllis! So beautiful... Got me teary eyed right now =)

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