Dear Dagny,
A year ago today we met each other and a love affair started.
I remember having all sorts of emotions that day, from nervousness to total calmness. I was nervous about the process but totally calm about meeting you. I had this feeling deep inside that without a doubt I was meeting my daughter.
Max, our driver, came to pick us up and drove us to the Ministry of Education (MOE) to get our official referral for you. Masha, our translator, met us there. I remember standing in the hallway waiting to be called into the room. We were called in to the room; we were the first of the day. There were two ladies in the room. Imagine the room where there was a desk that the head lady sat at and another table attached off it forming the letter T. Dad and I sat at one side of the rectangle table, Masha to the left of us, across from us was the Assistant, and the head lady to the right of us. They asked us some basic questions and then the head lady pulled out a file and in the file was this little black and white photo of this little girl. I remember feeling a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I finally saw my daughter. After giving a brief history about your background, the head lady asked us if we would like to meet you, Dad and I looked at each other and very loudly said “DA, DA, YES!”. The ladies cracked a smile and out we went.
From there we went straight to Orphanage #14. We were told that this was one of the best in the city. When we pulled up to the orphanage, my heart started to beat faster than ever. I was so excited to be meeting you. We were taken into the dance room, where Masha got your medical information and we went over it. You weren’t quite ready to meet us, you were busy having lunch. When we were done with Masha she went to get you. Your Dad and I were pacing the room back and forth. We both were so excited, we knew that our lives will forever be changed. Then the door opened and there you were in Masha’s arms. You were wearing a pink sweater. I remember your dark hair and your beautiful eyes looking around. Both your Dad and I teared up. I turned to your dad and said “I now believe in love at first sight!” I fell in love with you that moment. I really did. When Masha put you in my arms, I knew that you were my daughter forever.
My dearest Dagny you have made your father and I so happy and we hope we have done the same for you. You are our light, our heart, and our everything. We promise the very best for you. We hope to show you the world through books, travel, fun, and by being a family.
We love you so much, now and forever!
Here you are the day we met you.
Here you are today, one year later.
What a difference a year makes.
Love,
Mom and Dad
This post took me back a year – we were sitting in my office and you were telling me about the trip and meeting your little angel for the first time. I had tears of joy then, and again today as I read this post. When you guys headed to Moscow I knew that there was a lucky little girl who would get to meet her wonderful mom and dad for the first time… And we, your family and friends have been lucky too, that you have shared all the wonderful moments with us through the stories and pictures.
It’s so strange reading about your experience because it’s SO similar to ours! Even down to the beautiful brown eyed girl with a gorgeous smile. 🙂 Of course Dagny had WAY more hair!
Congrats on one year of knowing your daughter. She is a special unique little girl and it’s clear how much you love her.
Wow, you are right, a year makes such a BIG difference! Dagny is beautiful and looks like a very happy little girl. Congratulations!