I’ve been privileged to be friends with Sarah since I was a teenager. Watching her become a mother through adoption has been one of the most beautiful transformations. There’s so much to share about the wonderful impact Cecilia has had on our lives. But today Sarah’s here to share with Cecilia (and you) what she means to her. Cecilia came to us unexpectedly and it’s been a wild ride ever since. Selfishly I’m sharing a photo of Cecilia and I from this summer because I will never NOT point my phone at you and show either a photo of my friends kids or my dog.
Cecilia, I am honored to get to be your aunt and for the whole .5 seconds you will cuddle with me I LIVE FOR. Thank you for letting me still have some attention from your mom. Thank you for showing us a whole new world. We are here to support you in WHATEVER YOU NEED. I love you!
Dear Cecilia,
Aunt Alissa asked me to write a letter to you all about your life and what it is like to be your mom. Since your Aunt Alissa is one of the best humans on the planet, as you well know, I figured I could give it a try. You are almost 14 months old now and FULL of sass with a joyful spirit. Your world is starting to expand as you figure out how to do new things such as stand and take steps (with some help). You have decided that climbing is a fun new activity and you like to throw things to see what happens. Basically, you are becoming more and more independent and even though I can’t say I enjoy cleaning up the food you throw when you are in your high chair, I love watching your personality grow as you figure out what you like and dislike. Even at this young age you aren’t afraid to “voice” your opinion and make sure that you are noticed. Based on what I have observed about your personality so far, I hope you continue to keep an open mind about new experiences, stay determined to accomplish your goals, and giggle over the silly things in life.
Something that people will probably ask about as you get older is what it is like being adopted and/or why you look different from your mom and dad. I wish I could give you the perfect response for situations like that but there really isn’t one (trust me, I have looked). What I can tell you is that your dad and I are here to support you and together we will do our best to help you through those times. While adoption brings so much joy into people’s lives, your dad and I understand that it comes with pain and grief as well. By listening to other adoptees, I have learned that there might be days that you are happy that you were adopted but then there also might be times that you wish you were still with your first family. I want you to know that is totally normal and you have every right to express those feelings. I promise to listen to you during those times of confusion or sadness and to find other transracial adoptees that will be able to relate to your experiences.
Deciding to become a mother through adoption and getting to be your mother in particular is the one thing in life that I have always been 100% sure about. It has helped me to become more patient, opened my eyes to the injustices in the world that need to be addressed, and helped me to realize that I have my own biases that I need to learn about and overcome. Overall, being your mother has just made me feel more fulfilled in life and I am so grateful for everyday that I get to see you grow.
Dana Mannarino
Cecilia is BEAUTIFUL! You guys are giving her an amazing life (and Aunt Alissa is included in that!!).
Dana | It’s Casual Blog