We are on vacation and while touring the Old City, I happened upon what I thought was a Dr. Seuss store. I was going to get Aven and her little friends a little trinket or two as this was clearly a “specialty” Dr. Seuss “store”. HA!!!!!!! It was actually an Art Gallery for nothing but art featuring the work of the creator of Dr. Seuss, Theodore Geisel.
I visited on Tuesday and tossed about buying Aven a numbered print commissioned by the widow of Mr. Geisel and priced by her. It was to be in celebration of what I expected to be another adoption milestone that we met. I picked one for the colors and Daddy picked one for the narration at the bottom. I don’t make impulse buys so I told them I would be back. When we went today, another lady was there. She was the owner of the gallery. She tried to be helpful but I was profoundly depressed as we were told today that the milestone we were expecting is not to come any time soon. I have spent most of our vacation verklempt and distraught. When the gallery owner asked about who we were buying it for, I told her about our daughter in Viet Nam. I told her how hard we had to fight to get her home. I told her that we were growing weary but could not stop. Not until she came home; not until all the precious little children came home. I talked about how tiny my girl was; about how little the children of Viet Nam were and how most of us worried about their nutrition and care. During my story, it was becoming clear I was unable to decide on which print I wanted. Sarah, the gallery owner put down another print featuring the characters of Horton Hears a Who. I stopped dead in my tracks. I began to tear up. I told Sarah THAT was the one. It was perfect as it said everything that I feel for Aven . . . . . for all of Aven’s orphanage mates and for the little children in Viet Nam who wait to join their families. . . . And until Aven and all her little friends get a voice of their own, we, their parents will make sure that everyone knows that no matter how small, they are people too.
So, you know I was crying right? Well, I looked over at Daddy . . . . he was tearing up too. Then Sarah took the museum quality framed print and said, “I am shipping this to your home to make sure it is protected and I am shipping it as a gift . . . what you are doing for your child is wonderful; what you are doing for the other children is wonderful. Thank God they have people like you and your friends to speak for them.” (I told her about a wonderful group of people who have stood by each other during this drama).
So Miss Aven . . . . you have another fan. And you are the proud owner of a wonderful piece of artwork. Hurry home honey . . . .
