Dear China,
Ten years ago today, you changed me.
Ten years ago today, you gave me my only son and that day
began to teach me that love does not always look like easy. Love can look like
a son afraid of his new parents- those that sound, smell and look different
from anyone he has ever known. Love can look like first smiles in a swimming
pool around the world or endless tears on an airplane traveling home. Love can
be walking a hallway, or a park, or a hotel lobby with a stroller for hours to
keep the peace. Love can turn strangers into friends in a few short days with
shared McDonalds in a hotel room or wine from an Italian restaurant in an Asian
country. And love can look like standing in front of a judge, proclaiming yes
to an unknown future with a confidence that doesn’t come from you.
Ten years ago today, you fully opened my eyes to the beauty
of other cultures. You taught me that people do not have to speak your language
or share your beliefs to show you kindness. It was while with you that I truly began
to see Jimmy’s sense of adventure and his unwavering commitment to our family
and to me.
Ten years ago today, we started our journey with our second
and yet oldest child. I believe now this day not only gave us our second child,
but also eventually led to our third. China, without you, we would not have the
family that has provided us with immense blessing.
No love does not always look easy. And maybe that’s how you
know it is love.
Today we toasted you with Davis’s picks- ramen and a movie.
Cheers to ten years!
Love,
Me
