Mother's Day In Russia

I woke up this morning thinking about Mother's Day one year ago. We were in Murmansk and waiting for Monday to come so we could obtain Katie Aunna's court decree. Which was the first step in getting back home to my children. I felt so horrible because I was stuck in Murmansk on Mother's Day and my kids were in America without their mother. It seemed like forever that we had been away from them and yet here it is one year later already. On the other hand, it was a very exciting time, as I had just become a new mother. Which we celebrated with the three of us.

Now, I find myself wishing that I was sitting in Murmansk, with Lexi in my custody;-). Really, I never thought I would feel this way one year later about being in Murmansk!!! As we presently wait to get our home study completed, and then begin the process of a hefty dossier, it seems as though time is crawling once again. I keep telling myself to look at how quickly one year has gone. How I wish Lexi knew that she has a family waiting for her and that her family will be coming for her soon. Also, that the family coming for her is her hearts desire!!!

Although, in Russia Mother's Day is not celebrated. They do celebrate what is called "Women's Day" in March. It is a celebration of all women...mothers, daughters, sisters, girls both young and old. So, in that sense I am glad that Mother's Day is not celebrated there. Lexi is living from one day to another without a mother or family in her life. Her two best friends have been adopted by families and she has been left behind. Of course, many people might say "there are thousands of kids who are orphaned". But, to that I refer to the "Starfish Thrower" written by Joel Barker and inspired by the writing of Loren Eiseley:

The Starfish Thrower

Once upon a time, there was a wise man, much like Eiseley himself, who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day he was walking along the shore. As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day. So he began to walk faster to catch up. As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn't dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently, throwing it into the ocean. As he got closer, he called out, “Good morning! What are you doing?” The young man paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean.” Next the wise man asked, “Why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?” to which the young man replied “The sun is up and the tide is going out. And if I don’t throw them in they’ll die." “But young man, don’t you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it? You can’t possibly make a difference!” The young man listened politely. Then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves. “It made a difference for that one!” His response surprised the man. He was upset. He did not know how to reply. So instead, he turned away and walked back to the cottage to begin his writings. All day long as he wrote, the image of the young man haunted him. He tried to ignore it, but the vision persisted. Finally, late in the afternoon he realized that, he the scientist, he the poet, he the wise man had missed out on the essential nature of the young man’s actions. Because he realized that what the young man was doing was choosing not to be an observer in the universe and make a difference. He was embarrassed. That night he went to bed troubled. When the morning came he awoke knowing that he had to do something. So he got up, put on his clothes, went to the beach and found the young man. And with him he spent the rest of the morning throwing starfish into the ocean.

No, we can't change the circumstances of all the orphaned children of the world. But, we can make a difference in Lexi's life. Although, the whole world may not change, her entire world will. I am so looking forwarding to the day when I can place into her mind that she is loved and she does have a family with room for her. My arms yearn to hold her tight and give her a mother's kiss. Just to tell her "I love you" will be such a sweet time for all of us. Your prayers for Lexi are very much appreciated during this time. Together, we will make a difference to "this" child and her world will be forever changed. It is my prayer that, those who desire to be a mother and those who wish for a mother, have their dreams come true. Have a very happy Mother's Day and God's many blessings!!!