Chinese Sisters

On Friday, July 4, 2003 we boarded the midnight plane from LA to Guangzhou to meet our daughter, Julia. We had been waiting for that flight ever since March 31st when we received Julia's referral. We had been waiting for that flight while SARS cases were on the rise and, eventually, the decline in China. We had been waiting for that flight while our baby grew two bottom teeth. We had been waiting for that flight while insanity and depression lingered just below the surface for weeks on end. We had been waiting with luggage packed, nursery ready, leaves from work taken, and empty arms aching for what felt like an eternity. When the call came from our agency on a Monday saying, "Your flight leaves on Friday," you bet we were on that plane. We got to the airport early. Five other families got there before us. We were all heading to China in the same "travel group" to adopt our girls. We had met previously via our agency and had bonded over excitement for our adoptions and later over our agonizing travel delay. Five additional families (whom we had not yet met) were also on their way to China that day. Together, ten families met up at the White Swan hotel in Guangzhou, rode the bus together to the Civil Affairs Bureau and crowded in to the room where we were to receive our babies. We ohhhed and ahhhed as each baby was carried in and placed in her loving parent's arms.

We have stayed in touch ever since.

This week we celebrated the fourth anniversary of our GOTCHA DAY with many of these dear people. Many of us live locally but we were also joined by JoAnna and Audrey who flew in for the occasion. As we were unable to find one day in which we could all get together at once this year, we scheduled a series of events and those who could come did. An afternoon at Alki beach, fun at the King County Fair, a party at Shen's house, a visit to the zoo, and dinner in the International District...each outing giving our girls another opportunity to connect. Also, we were fortunate to have JoAnna and Audrey as our house guests (mitts off, Terry:))and the amazing bonding between our girls that occurred over breakfast and baths was a joy to behold. I find myself at a loss to recount the magic of the past week in words. Instead, here are two vignettes followed by some pictures that speak much more profoundly than anything I am capable of writing (click on any of the pics to enlarge for better viewing).

Vignette One:

Julia and I were walking toward baggage claim at the airport to pick up JoAnna and Audrey. I reminded her that JoAnna has red hair like me and Audrey has long, black hair like her. We spotted them easily. As we ran up I asked Julia if she remembered them. She said, "No! But she's my AUDREY!" It had been a year since we had last visited. I have no doubt that Julia and Audrey didn't remember much, if anything about each other. However, the minute they saw each other, they clasped hands and jumped up and down like the long-lost friends they really are. Score one for the sisterhood!

Vignette Two:

You put a bunch of five year olds (give or take a few months) together in a room with princess dress ups and Barbie castles to play with and eventually there will be an issue. One child was playing with another and a third felt excluded. Feelings were hurt. Complaints were registered with the appropriate authority (the nearest available Mama). I listened in on the conversation that resulted. The nearest available Mama (who is very wise) said, "These are your special Chinese Sisters! Love each other and be happy together!" "They are NOT my sisters!!!" was the child's reply. "Yes, you were all adopted together on a special day and that makes you special friends, like sisters." "OH." Off she want to play. End of conversation.

A report came later from the child's family. As they were driving home, their daughter told about how much she loved her Chinese Sisters and how sad she was to be leaving. Score two for the sisterhood!

The pictures show the rest: How these girls connected, played together, and (as is our most fervent wish) continued to forge the bonds we hope will give them sweet friendship and strong support through the years. Long live the Sisterhood!