We traveled again to see Beck. He waved at us when we came into the play area but was hesitant to approach us. Joe and I started playing with the other kids, whether we wanted to or not. The caretakers encouraged him to greet us but he wasn't too willing. Then the director handed him a toy and asked him to bring it to his mother and he quickly brought it over and gave me a hug and then moved on. I didn't want to pressure him so I took a seat with the other kids. Shortly Beck went over to Joe and wrapped his arms around Joe's legs and buried his face into Joe's pants. The kids were all a bit more sedate today, Beck the most. I think he was really overwhelmed by his new found attention and he is undoubtedly a sensitive child. He came back to me and I picked him up. Then out of no where he began to cry. It was the sort of cry that comes from a very deep place. I wish I could have comforted him but the language barrier was very frustrating. He held onto me tightly and just wailed, burying his head in my neck. I can only imagine what might be going through his mind, the uncertainty and confusion that must be with him all the time. I walked the grounds of the orphanage trying to soothe him, or distract him. It worked at times but then that sadness would take him again. After some time the moments of crying became shorter and shorter. I know we have a long road ahead of us but I know it will be worth it. He needs a home of his own, a family of his own.
6 comments:
Congratulations, Mala. Beck is beautiful. My Isabella is from Tokmok, too. Was Beck there in Tokmok in Sept? I think I remember him.
I wonder if you could do something for me. If you could ask the interpreter (a different one than when I was there) or Ludmilla to tell the caregivers and/or orphanage director that "Meerim" is doing so well. She is 18 months, well-adjusted, happy, healthy, smart and chubby! And I attribute that (well, except for the chubby part - that is all me!) in no small part to the care she received at the orphanage. It would be so great if they could know about her.
Thanks, and blessings on your new family. You will be back to get him before you know it.
Melanie Castelli (Bella's mom)
Hi Mala,
What a wonderful story so far!! Please know I"m thinking of you guys. Travel safely home.
Mare
Woo Hoo! So nice to see all your happy shining smiles! Can't wait for you to be home with Beck!
Lisa
Mala,
I have taken so much pleasure in reading your first and second meetings with Beck. Knowing him a little bit, I am happily surprised to hear how he hugged you and your husband. I am beyond thrilled to hear it and to see the pictures.
Hearing about how he reacted so well to you both tells me that you really were the ones meant to love and heal that little boy. What I'm really glad for is that now that you're there, you know exactly what I mean when I say how special he is.
Tina
I don't post often on the board, but have avidly read your blog. Your son is lovely, and I am sure he will do well. We are leaving soon (July) to get our baby girl---I am so excited. I wish you all well.
Hi Mala,
I am so glad that he seems to know you are his parents. One thing that he may be thinking is that he knows you are Mama but he has seen so many American parents come and go that he might be afraid that you are going to leave and he will never see you again. He seems like such a sensitive boy. I would make sure that you have the translator talk to him about you being his Mama and Papa forever and when you go, that you will come back for him. He will see you again. It is a good sign that he wanted you to comfort him too. Our Kyle was a sensitive boy like Beck and he clung to us for several months after he got home. In fact, he is 10 now and still clings to his Mom!!
Dan and Sandy
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