September 02, 2008
First day and last time
Tara was dressed and ready for school before I could even get to her this morning. She is always so brave. Walking into the school, she clutched my hand tight while the older kids swirled around her. She has never gone to a school with such big kids, some as even as old as fifth-graders!
The kindergarteners lined up on the left next to the wall, and the parents anxiously chatted away while the children were mostly silent.
When it was our turn to bustle into the classroom, we dropped off our bag of supplies by the door and shuffled in the crowd to find Tara's cubby. There, we carefully hung her backpack. I asked her to pose for a picture in front of her cubby; her flowered hair band pushed her bangs off of her face.It was then that I realized how big she looked to me. Suddenly.
Her new classmates were gathering on the rug as parents took pictures and lingered much too long. The teacher, a smiling, patient woman who also taught Tara's big brother 7 years ago, finally asked parents, gently, to say goodbye to their children and leave. I called out to Tara one more time to get a photo of my little princess on her special day. She obliged with a smile. Thankfully she is still too young to be embarrassed by her parents. I walked to my car feeling a little choked up.
It's been more than 3 years since little Tara Vika left an orphanage in Ukraine and joined our family forever. A few weeks ago at her pre-school, she told me that her friends didn't know that she wasn't in my tummy as a baby. And she said, "They don't know, so I don't tell them."
I have decided to end the story here about the adoption that started in November 2003, spilled into 2004, and ended in April 2005.
I will leave this blog up for a while for us to read about other families that are adopting, especially in Ukraine.
Thank you to all who have followed our story, especially my Mom, sister Karen and cousin Sally. Your comments along the way have been so supportive and awesome, words cannot express our gratitude.
But now, this is Tara's story to tell. Or not. It is her life, it is her choice.
Posted by Laura at September 2, 2008 07:33 PM
Awww, I'm choking up! It's been a long, wonderful journey. You're right, it's her story...I can't wait to hear everything she has to say as she grows up!
:-)
Posted by sally at September 3, 2008 09:41 AM
I am so happy to be a part of Tara's life. This was an excellent story that needed to be told. I am sure that there were many folks out there disheartened about their experiences with adoption, and hopefully they gained new courage by reading Tara's story. Tara can write it herself from now on.
Posted by karen wiz at September 3, 2008 03:31 PM
Thanks for letting me continue to keep up with Tara's milestones for the last 3 years. It has also been a link to your family that I will miss. Love to all...
Karen
Posted by kwis at September 4, 2008 04:38 PM
hi Laura,
how wonderfully written ... and so full of love. I will miss feelling connected with you but can totally understand the reason for ending the blog....
Your blog will be missed!
Wendy
Posted by Anonymous at September 5, 2008 08:05 PM
thank you so much for sharing... it has meant so much to be a part of it. your blog was the first for me to follow and played such an important part in our pursuit for adoption. we've switched to russia (hopefully) since ukraine has been more challenging. you have raised tara beautifully... enjoy!
warmest regards,
rachel
Posted by rachel at September 6, 2008 11:34 AM
Hi Laura:
Thank you for sharing Tara's story with us. It's been wonderful and awe-inspiring to see her grow from toddler to school girl. I'll really miss checking in on the blog, but hope to get updates other ways!
Greta
Posted by Greta at September 6, 2008 03:43 PM
Wow, I'll miss your blog, but I understand.
Hey, did you know that the blog was listed again in Adoptive Families magazine's list of best adoption blogs? Just this month? I'm just sayin' . . .
Thanks for all your support during our adoption process, and thanks for sharing Tara's story with us. We'll keep in touch!
Posted by Susan at September 8, 2008 12:42 AM
And with love right back at you, Karen Wis.
Posted by karen wiz at September 8, 2008 11:45 AM
aw, how sad the blog is coming to an end!! this was the first blog i found & followed, and you're the one that told me about FRUA... i hadn't even heard of it yet!!!
2yrs. later, and a couple countries later, i'm still trying to adopt... we started with Ukraine, tried Vietnam and are now pursuing Russia. plz feel free to follow our journey, your adoption story of Tara always inspired me! :)
Posted by Alice at September 9, 2008 01:40 AM
Its been wonderful reading about Taras accomplishments, although I see her often but nice to hear about her activities and reading the blog. Tara is always anxious to learn more and meet new friends. I am so proud to be her grandmother.A very lovable Tara and so beautiful. Love always, Grandma Jeanne
Posted by jeanne at September 22, 2008 10:45 PM
Hi, I'm writing from Adoptive Families magazine. We love your blog and have listed it in an article on our favorite blogs (http://www.adoptivefamilies.com/articles.php?aid=1289). We were hoping you would be willing to link to our site, adoptivefamilies.com, as well. Thanks!
Posted by Adoptive Families at October 7, 2008 09:27 AM