I was at a party recently and a guest, who was admiring my recently adopted daughter from China, asked if I hoped to find her birth family someday. I told the guest I did not think that would ever be possible given the situation for girls in the People's Republic of China. "Oh yes," she replied. "I just read this great book about that. It's called Lucky GIrl."Because of my recent trip and adoption I have a huge interest in memoir and China adoption story, and so I did not hesitate to pick up a copy. I loved it all, and I wept copiously over many parts. Specifically the part where you met your biological family for the first time in Taiwan, the part where you forgave your family for their attitudes rather then dwell on them, and when you imagined the boy baby brother, starving as he lay alone. Last, the birth of your own daughter felt like a miracle.
As the mother of a girl from China, I marvel every day at the seemingly random circumstances that brought us together. I think about the birth mother every day and imagine that somehow she has gotten word that Xiaojian is okay and healthy and happy and will have this amazing life in America. I especially loved the part where you discussed some women's obsession with birth mothers.
You really gave me a wonderful gift. Although I know my daughter will have her own set of feelings and emotions about her country of origin, it gave me great solace to know your story.
People frequently call her a lucky girl. I always respond that I feel like the luck is all mine.
My best to you,
Amy Cornell
1 comment:
I hope you send (or email) her this post!
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