Saturday, March 10, 2012

Mila's Birth Day



Tomorrow marks a day that we, as Mila's family, will celebrate...the day this glorious child was brought into the world. But what about her biological family? Surely they will not celebrate the day that likely brought so much distress to them. I have no idea how the day went, or what kind of pain and anguish her biological family went through when they learned of her diagnosis, or what emotions they may be experiencing at this very moment.  Did they learn she had Down Syndrome the moment she was born? Or did they hold her and love her for moments, hours, or days before they learned of her diagnosis? Did they grieve the loss of their daughter, knowing they live in a society where she isn't welcome, wanted, or valued? Did they cry thinking of how their precious child would have no opportunities in their country? Did they cry when they chose to sign their names on the line terminating their rights as her parents? Are they thinking of her, wondering if she is alive or dead, today, the day before her first birthday? Are they wondering how big she is by now or what her personality is like? Do they let their mind's wonder what it would be like had they chosen to raise her? How can they live with not knowing?  Are they at peace or are they being tormented by their decision? Did they walk away in disgust, asking "why me?" and never look back?

I'll never know the answers to these questions, this side of heaven anyways. But, how can we celebrate Mila's birthday without giving thought to her beginning...after all that is what a birthday is all about. For our girls, birthdays have come to mean more than a celebration of their beginning...more than looking back to the day they were born (simply because we can't see that day, try as we might). For our girls, birthdays are a celebration of the life they've lived thus far, the growth and spirit they've managed to pack into a year. For Mila, this birthday is a celebration of survival through her first tumultuous year of life. There is so much to celebrate tomorrow. Mila's life is a miracle. We don't take any one of her days for granted knowing so easily what could have, might have been. But her life was God's plan from the beginning of time and tomorrow that is what we will celebrate!

17 comments:

  1. Definitely will be rejoicing here for Mila from Virginia of the birth of that gorgeous little lady!

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  2. Beautifully written. And I would be lying if I told you I hadn't been looking at plane tickets the past 2 weeks trying to figure out a way to get to PA to celebrate this baby girl's special day! Ohhh, miss her and you guys!

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    1. Oh how I (and Mila) would LOVE to see you!!!

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  3. Happy Birthday Precious Girl! Have a wonderful day. Love, Auntie Katie in AL

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    1. Thanks Auntie Katie :) We wouldn't be celebrating without your help to bring Mila home!!!

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  4. Happy birthday sweet Mila!

    Kim
    TheSimpsonSix.blogspot.com

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  5. Sarah! Mila is amazing...What an absolutely beautiful post. I have followed your blog/blogs forever and each and every post has me in tears. We are leaving for Ukraine to bring our sweet girl home in a few weeks and you and your breathtakingly incredible family have been such an inspiration to us.. Give that sweet girl a big birthday smooch from me:)
    Beth (bethherrington.blogspot.com)

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    1. Thanks Beth!!! I'm excited for you to bring your girl home soon!!!!! Can't wait to follow along!

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  6. Ready to celebrate all that with you!!

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  7. So so glad she is CELEBRATING with her forever family!


    Brooke
    www.MarvelousLoveBlog.com

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  8. TexasLacisMom@yahoo.comMarch 11, 2012 at 7:58 AM

    Happy Birthday to an amazing little girl!!! Best wishes to you all as you guys celebrate. Prayers for her birth family will be said.

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  9. Dear Mila Bean,

    Happy Birthday!!. I thank God for your life and your parents for being so generous and letting us get to know you and watch your growth. You're a very lucky girl, with many people who love you and pray for you. You have touched many people's lives even without knowing it!!.
    Tons of kisses and God bless you, sweet girl

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  10. Happy Birthday Sweet Mila!! Hope you don't mind us celebrating with you a little. I think that angel is worth celebrating for sure!!

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  11. I know that I, for one, am so thankful that there are people like you and your husband who have rescued these beautiful girls and given them a chance to thrive, which they clearly are, and just be able to celebrate their birthdays. Another wonderful post and pictures!! Happy Birthday, beautiful Mila!!

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  12. Hoping that your beautiful little Jelly Bean had a glorious day yesterday!!!! Happy 1st birthday Mila Hope!!!! ((((BIG BIG HUGS))))from RI!!

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  13. I hope sweet Mila-bean had a very happy b-day!! Also, praying for smiley Miss Zoya (and her mama and daddy) as she goes thru her surgery (if I am remembering right she has a surgery on Weds?)

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