It was June 5, 2007, one year ago today that I received " the call." It was Meg our social worker from CAWLI, who left a message to call her back at the office. I started to panic, why would she be calling, is there news?? I called her back, shaking and barely able to speak when she told me " I was just calling to update your file, do you want to keep your name on the special needs/ waiting child list?" I immediately lost all hope, this was just a routine call. I told her to keep our name on the list, we didn't want to change anything, our name had been on the list for a year, we had made the decision a long time ago that we were open to a child that was considered "special needs" and that was the way we felt. The conversation went on and on, again Meg stating " You know you are getting close to a refferal, it could take you longer to bring home a special needs child, are you sure this is what you want to do?" With no hesitation I said "Keep our name where it is." After all that being said, Meg said " well if that is your decision, I have a little girl to tell you about!"
I almost dropped the phone, I couldn't believe it! Meg started to tell me about this 18 month old baby girl, from Nanfeng China. I tried my hardest to listen, control myself, but I couldn't. I was a mess crying, shaking oh my I was a mess! Lu Dan Peng was her name, she had VSD, received surgery and was currently living with a foster Mom. I was then asked "would you like to review her file?" The answer was yes, and that is how this all began.
I can honestly say that day was one of the most emotional days of my life, for some reason I knew it was her, my daughter I had been waiting for! I called Joe barely able to breath, he had no idea what was going on, when I finally spit it out he was shocked! He wanted me to tell him what I knew, which wasn't much at the time but I told him what I could remeber. He then told me I am on my way home, we'll look at everything and then said " Call the agency back tell them we want her." He must have known too, we hadn't seen her picture, had not yet looked at any medical records, it was just right, for some reason everything felt right!
Having Fun at the State Police Chase!! Here are a few pictures of our great day, as you can see the princess preffered to be carried by Daddy!
Uncle Brian finishing the race with Joseph! Auntie Brandy with Maggie and Seamus
