What we didn't realize is that the dates people start putting up their trees and lights would coincide with his adoption date.
This is my little guy who has eagerly gone off to preschool everyday even the first one with a huggie and a kiss and never looking back. On the 18th as we excitedly celebrated his hope day ("gotcha") we had a very special breakfast and the kids expressed how thrilled they were he was part of the family. He clung to my leg at school drop off and then I found out he cried for 2 of the 3 hours - oh no!
We had seen him getting a little more subdued and/or clingy since Sunday. We couldn't figure out how he knew, how much he remembered but marveled as we drove to dinner on Sunday and he explained "Christmas Trees" as he saw lit ones.
COuld he possibly remember that day a year ago when his life changed so drastically? Most say it's impossible for him at 3 1/2 but he is pretty bright. I wondered if his soul felt it as he spent a year in the orphanage, then just over a year in foster. Did he wonder if there would be more changes as another year passed. Or was it the Christmas trees - the one thing he related to first coming home.
And for me, my heart just broke. I just reassured him, held him, and continuously reminded him of us all sharing the same last name, as well as we are a family and would always be together.
It's so good so see his little impish self back to normal. And today in the car he explained
"Mom, me made it!!"
"what, TaoTao?"
"Me Made it, mom"
"Do you mean you made it home sweet boy?"
"Yes, momma me made it home!"
And I just sat in the parking lot and cried.
Your little guy is so precious. I wonder if he does remember. I still have some memories from before I was 2, so he might. I love seeing pictures and hearing stories of him on your blog! So wonderful to see him home.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful, heartbreaking post. Makes you really wonder what goes through their minds as they try to figure out their world.
ReplyDelete