A Letter To Our Daughter on Gotcha Day
Eighteen years ago, on November 10, 2008, in China, we met you for the very first time. It is hard to believe that 18 years have passed since the little girl who changed our lives forever - became our daughter.
As you know, our journey began way back in 2005. There were so many ups and downs, so much waiting (longest pregnancy on paper!), uncertainty, hope, and much anticipation. But through it all, there was one thing we knew in our hearts - we were waiting for you.
Then one day, there you were. Face to face. Cheek to cheek.
Your dad and I leaned in from either side and kissed your cheeks, squishing you right between us. Eighteen years later, we still do it. 😁 Come on, it isn't that bad!
The moment we had dreamed about for so long - was no longer a dream. You were real, you were with us, and somehow our family felt complete in a way it never had before.
We spent two unforgettable weeks in China, and on November 19th, 2008, we brought you home.
We didn't know then ALL the adventures, challenges, laughter, tears, and many memories that lay ahead. We only knew that we loved you and that our lives would never be the same.
And what a beautiful journey it has been, right?
This Gotcha day feels A LOT different. For the first time (ever), we won't be together in person to celebrate. And while we wish we could wrap our arms around you, and give you one of those squishy kisses - please know that distance could never change what this day means to us.
Looking back we remember standing in that big room in Nanning City, with the other adoptive families we traveled with, all of us waiting for the moment we had dreamed and prayed about for, all of us nervous, and quite honestly, we didn't know what to expect. Heart pounding. Thoughts racing. Camera's ready. Backpacks full of toys, diapers, and just about everything else.
As each family received their child, there was so much crying coming from every corner of that room - not only from the parents, but children alike. It was so emotional seeing families finally together, that we often joke that it sounded like we were in a room with a bunch of women who were in labor at the same time. 😂
Then all of a sudden, it was our turn. The Director of the Orphanage brought you to us. In a single moment, the waiting was over. The piles and piles of paperwork, the uncertainty, the thousand of miles, many, many prayers, and the years of hoping, preparing...all led to you. I cannot really describe how we were feeling at that moment, besides the overwhelming sense of joy and love we had. Next thing you know, all three of us were in our hotel room and I was giving you your first bottle (which your dad made).
This was the day we met our daughter. This day we became a family of three. The day where our journey to you became one of the GREATEST gifs of our lives.
You may not remember that first walk into the USA with us, but we will never forget it. Your tiny hand in ours. The beginning of a new chapter. A sigh of relief to know that we were all together.The realization that the little girl we had waited so long for - was finally our daughter.
Do you remember all the people waiting at the airport to meet YOU for the very first time? So many of them had been on this journey right alongside us, and truly, we couldn't have made it through without their support.....they could hardly wait to see you and welcome you home. There were so many prayers, sweet girl....so many.
As we look at that picture (above) of the three of us walking through the Louisville airport after a VERY long flight home from China (you did great - your dad ad I were on the struggle bus!), we are reminded that although that little girl is much bigger now, the love behind that picture has never changed.
Lydia, We are so freaking proud of the young woman you have become. TRULY. At 19 years old, with your own dreams, your own adventures, and a whole life unfolding in front of you, we are constantly amazed by your strength, your badass personality, your kindness, your generosity, and your fire-blazing determination (even when you don't see it within yourself).
No matter where life takes you, how far away we may be from each other, or how much time passes - you will always be our girl.
Thank you for who you are. Thank you for who you are becoming, and thank you for giving us the privilege and joy of being your parents.
We love you more than words could ever fully express. Today, tomorrow and always.
Happy Gotcha Day Beautiful Girl. Here's to many more beautiful moments.
All our love,
Mom and Dad 💗
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