Finally.

I can't believe we're going on our 4 year anniversary of Forever Family Day. 

My daughter, although she had none of the special needs she was labeled with in China {CP, epilepsy, kalopenia} was diagnosed with severe PTSD shortly after our homecoming.

My daughter was abandoned on a train as a toddler somewhere near the age of one, critically ill and hospitalized upon her finding, placed into the orphanage where she spent 3 months, then placed in foster care for two and half years. How could she not have been traumatized? Her world was literally turned inside out and upside down over and over again. The rug was pulled out from under her so many times. I'm not sure how she survived this.

It has taken almost 4 years of intense consistency, stability, unrelenting patience... and FINALLY we are seeing smiles like this:

Moments like the one captured above are not taken for granted, they are cherished and appreciated, each and every one. 

It's been a long road, full of bumps, twists, turns... and at times it's been downright difficult. Difficult on may unexpected levels. There were long stretches of time where this China Mama didn't see a light at the end of the tunnel. I knew logically it would be there, I just couldn't catch a glimpse of it. 

I look at her now and she is the walking definition of RESILIENCE. 'Fall down seven times, stand up eight' is her mantra.

The journey continues, and although the effort is colossal the rewards are exponential.

I'm happy to speak to any family in the adoptive community {or considering adopting} in regards to our experience with PTSD, resources, and offer support, feel free to be in touch- MarlaMichele68@yahoo.com