Adoption Day Anniversary

One year ago, on July 2, 2006, we were united with our daughter. Amid confusion, crying and more than a little consternation, we were handed our beautiful little girl. While the legal paperwork was done on July 3rd, for us July 2nd is the day that Kiyomi came into our lives and we were a family.

Over the past year, Kiyomi has taught us so much about ourselves, about her, and about the world around us. She has opened our eyes to the wonders of a pond with fish, has us laughing hysterically at silly faces, and shown us the need for compassion, generosity and acceptance in our world – virtues we cherish now more than ever so that we can pass them along to our daughter.

Our family’s journey, in may ways, was easier than most. Kohji and I didn’t spend years and years thinking and dreaming about our family. Our hearts told us that we wanted to have a child, and adoption was the best route for our family. While there certainly were dissapointments and frustrations, our path was probably staighter than most, with few obstacle. Nontheless, as the consummate geeks that we are, we read, researched, talked to parents - including our own - sought advice, guidance and input. We felt we understood the joys and challenges of parenting. We were ready for the emotions – the highs and the lows.

However, we never could have possibly imagined what Kiyomi has indeed brought to our lives. It is something even I – rambler par excellence – cannot put into words. We are more than we ever possibly could have thought ourselves to be because of her. That she has had to go through so much to bring us this incredible gift makes us honour and cherish her in indescribable ways.

On the anniversary of her adoption day, we can only brush the surface of the gratitude and respect we feel for her, her biological parents, her country of birth and all those who helped us in our journey to each other.

Rather than an update this month, I’m suggesting a look back, in order to remember the journey our family has taken and offer a quiet word of thanks to family and friends who helped us get here.