25 Jun 2010
I said goodbye…..
On that day, I said goodbye.
“Goodbye” to the only home I remember.
“Goodbye” to “Gwo Mama” who never let me get away with anything.
“Goodbye” to Molly and Joyce who were always there with a hug when I needed it.
“Goodbye” to Tantan who loved me like her own kid.
“Goodbye” to Dixie. I didn’t know it then, but without her, I wouldn’t have had a home.
Goodbye to my friends, at least the ones who were still there. It was finally my turn to say goodbye! One after another after another went to Canada, the United States, France, the Netherlands. To their families. Now it’s my turn.
But on that day, I also got to say, “Hello”
“Hello” to three big sisters who came along with my parents.
“Hello” to my first ride in an airplane – and I got to ride in three different ones that day!
“Hello” to a Dad who would carry me through the airport.
“Hello” to a Mom who loves me even when I get mad and throw a temper tantrum.
“Hello” to this novel concept called Grandpa and Grandma. Someone who loves me and spoils me and always is happy to see me. This is awesome!
“Hello” to all kinds of strange foods – but it didn’t take me long to decide that I like chicken nuggets and french fries!
“Hello” to not just the “idea” of a family but to the reality of one. I have a Mom and a Dad!
“Hello” to someone to tuck me in bed. Not just someone, but “My Someone.”
My Mom and Dad.
Forever.
On June 25, 2004, two children who had been at GLA said “Goodbye” and “Hello” and became part of the Vanderwell family. Since that time, we’ve been privileged to take part in a remarkable adventure. We’ve had highs, we’ve had lows, we’ve met many, many remarkable people and experienced things we never thought we would.
Throughout it all, we’ve seen and experienced the hand of God moving in ways that we had never imagined.
On this important day in the life of the Vanderwell family, I want to publicly thank Dixie, Molly, Joyce, John, Tantan, LaDawn, Gwo Mama and all the rest who made a difference in the lives of our children until we could bring them home to our family.
Forever.
The Vanderwell Family at the Airport on June 25, 2004
Our two God’s Littlest Angels on Easter Sunday, 2010 on vacation in Florida
Got a lump in my throat Tom. Thanks for sharing. Darling family.
Christal Holland
June 25th, 2010 at 7:58 ampermalink
Little did we know how much we would love them. They are precious and we are thankful to have them as part of our family. Grandpa and Grandma V.
Ellie Vanderwell
June 25th, 2010 at 11:36 ampermalink
you are an amazing writer! As always….makes me leak! What stories God gave us to share (and I hope there’s a GLA/Haiti special room in heaven to get to hear them all!!)
Jayne
June 25th, 2010 at 7:16 pmpermalink