I ofter contemplate Zhen's birth mother and father. As a nurse married to a port worker, they strike me as solidly middle class, or as middle class as you would likely find in Ukraine. Both parents with solid, well paying, skilled jobs.
I'm certain that Zhen was a "wanted" baby. What a tragedy for him to lie in an orphanage crib uncuddled, unkissed and unloved. Just being, existing, living in an orphanage is detrimental to a baby's development. When you add Down Syndrome to the equation, the problems are compounded. It is a tragedy.
But, it is also a tragedy for his birth mother, father and brother. They are also victims. Their dreams crushed by a society that doesn't value individuals with any sort of differences. I want to remember to have compassion for them. I want to remember to have compassion for the other parents who were compelled to give up or even abort their babies to satisfy their societal norms...all over the world.
Look at the beauty they are missing.
I agree x 1,000. It was a year ago today that we met our princess for the first time. I keep wondering if she looks like her mother or father, or brother.......
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about my girls' birth families. I can't imagine how much they were hurting when they made the choice they did and I am also sad that they didn't get to experience the joy and beauty that their daughters bring to this world.
ReplyDeletehis pupils are uneven in that photo, did you have that checked?
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear friends. Anon, Zhen has very little vision in one eye. I'm not surprised that they would look a little wonky.
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