While the day we met Lula brought with it the first of many memories we as a family have so far shared, it's important we remember that Lula's life, her personal story, no more began on that day than did ours. Before she was named Lula Grace, she was nurtured and loved by a family in China who called her Fu Le. And before she was named Fu Le, she was born to another family in China who, for reasons known only to them, felt unable to keep her in their care. Perhaps they too gave her a name in the brief moments they held her. While I reflect on these facts each and every day, Lula's birthday has underscored their significance for me and a deeper appreciation of these truths has emerged. Today, on Lula's first birthday, I look at our beautiful daughter, her expressive eyes, her chipmunk smile, and feel a deep and resounding loss for these families who are unable to experience the joy Lula gives us daily. It is my solemn wish for Lula's families in China that when they think of her they do so with peace, knowing in their hearts they too are remembered. To those who brought this sweet child into this world, who found her, and who cared for her in her early months, I am eternally grateful. Because of them, we are able to share each day with this delightful little girl and look forward to many memories beyond her first year.
Mama's Books
Listen Up
One in Six
- BBC NEWS | In Depth | Changing China
- BBC NEWS | World | Asia-Pacific
- China - Wikipedia
- China Maps - University of Texas Library
- China: Amnesty International's Human Rights Concerns
- Chinese Art | Freer and Sackler Galleries
- Cleveland Museum of Art - Chinese Art Collections
- Discovery Times :: China Rises
- East Asian History Sourcebook
- Human Rights in China
East Meets West
- Adoptee Empowerment Project
- Also-Known-As
- Asian Adult Adoptees of Washington : Resources
- Asian-Nation :: Adopted Asian Americans
- Chinese Children Adoption International
- Chinese Historical Society of America
- Georgia Asian Times
- Hyphen | Asian America Unabridged
- MDBG Chinese-English dictionary
- Transracial Adoption Resources
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January 23, 2006
Comments
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What wonderful pictures.Such a beautiful little girl. You are all so lucky, her China parents too and those who have loved her and kept her safe for you. What a wonderful addition to our family. May God bless you and keep you safe and always hold you in his hands.
Love and kisses,
Gramdma Pam
Posted by: Grandma Pam | January 27, 2006 at 06:54 PM
Happy Birthday Lula Grace.
Posted by: Sylvie | January 26, 2006 at 03:52 PM
Happy Birthday Lula, what a sweet and beautiful girl you are.
And yeah, I have a tear in my eye too. What a lovely tribute.
Posted by: Stephanie V | January 25, 2006 at 04:36 PM
Happy Birthday to Lula Grace, I love how you wrote your feelings on this first birthday. Similar to what Anna said, it's a lovely tribute and remembrance of her China family.
Posted by: Julia | January 25, 2006 at 09:00 AM
Ok. You got me crying. Can't wait till we see her next week.
Posted by: Marti | January 24, 2006 at 12:06 PM
Lovely tribute to your daughter and all the people who have loved her.
Happy Birthday, Lula.
Posted by: Anna H. | January 24, 2006 at 11:31 AM