is still a bit too overwhelming for me to process right now, I will simply tell you one story from our good-bye time with her. On Saturday, we spent several hours with Tamara complete with mashed potatoes, silver sardine-y fish, and lots of chocolate graham cracker truffle things. Tamara kept exhorting me to eat “more, more” I am as I sincerely tried to down this “un-Cindy-ish” feast that would have been challenging enough anyway, but at 11:00 in the morning was just about impossible … for me. Katya, however, managed to down a lion’s share and feed the remaining silver sardine-y fish to See-mon, a very fat cat who refuses to come near Katya, unless she is offering silver sardine-y fish.
So, after eating my “Thank you” portion, it was time to check out the mammoth suitcase Tamara had packed for Katya to bring to America. Because I felt it important that this sweet Babushka have a good sense of having sent Katya off well, I protested nothing. Finley kids, you will be happy to know that we did not bring home stuffed animals. On top of enough sweaters to clothe a kindergarten classroom, the 101 Dalmatians backpack was packed. Knowing that I wanted Katya to use this as her carry-on, I lifted it out. Tamara preceded to tell me about all the mittens she is sending for all the children, as well as a chocolate bar for each, and put the 101 Dalmatians pack back in. I just made a mental note to pull it out once Katya and I got back to OES.
But, there is no need to pull it back out. As Tamara continued to tell me about the various things in the suitcase, and asked me if I wanted “this” or “that,” she disappeared into a small side room and brought out this:
I really had hoped to never see this again. Since it hadn’t shown up when we were here in August OR October, I think it was a reasonable hope. However, at this point I’m guessing that it had just been put away for safe keeping, until now… So, my hope is that Tamara never looked closely enough at it to see that it isn’t the pink floral backpack I thought I was buying in July 2008. My fear is that she knows exactly what it is and has the completely wrong impression of me – a mom who buys pink skull backpacks for her daughters. Please tell me that you don’t think she ever closely examined this backpack. Please tell me that you don’t think that she thinks that I buy pink skull backpacks for my daughters. I would really hate for her to think that …
Since she really is one of my heroes …
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
When I look at that backpack, I see clusters of ripe bing cherries. Really I do. I think maybe Tamara did too! (Nevermind that some of the “clusters” seem to have teeth!)
Cindy, Through the tears, I had to go back and look at the backpack and then laughed. I took my 8 year old grandson shopping a few weeks ago and we found this adorable shirt with a toboggan of white and grey–he was excited and I was too! Oh well, his Mom, my daughter, said “Mom, those are skull and crossbones on the cap!” I had not even noticed the design. You guessed it, back to Kohl’s. When I saw the backpack, I thought how neat, Cindy took a backpack for Katya to carry her things on the plane. I bet Tamara did not notice it–had you not made reference, I do not think I would ever have seen the skeletons. What a sacrifice of this woman who so wants her granddaughter to have a better life. The picture could be award winning. You all have been in my prayers ever since your precious father in law sent the web site–I have followed you every day in news and prayer. How the Lord is blessing your family!
Sardin-y fish…???… did Katya seem upset about leaving see-mon? The bike we got for her is adorable!!! It’s got streamers and is a durable yet adorable little girls bike. She’ll love it!!! I cannot wait to see you. I’m counting down the days… Love ya!!!
I laugh every time I read about the backpack… I didnt notice it until you (originally) mentioned it. I saw flowers- I still do, except there is one obvious skull on the bottom half- if it weren’t for that ONE, I would NEVER see the skulls.
What an amazing this Tamara has done for her granddaughter. What a true sign of love.
I’m glad y’all made it to Kiev safely- I look forward to reading about the rest of your journey- it’s almost over… or rather, just beginning
Cindy,
I know you spent a couple of days with Katya in the Summer. So I thought your opinion may be a good deal.
My husband is able to get a little over a week of vacation to spend with the girls (meaning 5 days with them after travel time). The oldest is still in the hospital, and although everybody tells she is fine, we are still worried. We have free ticket to Ukraine for him. Still, I am budgeting around $1200 for this trip (with transportation, translator, meals, hotels, etc).
For one side we hope to be able to travel for the adoption soon. On the other, there is no guarantee… Could be February only… One of my girls has been in a hospital for over 3 weeks now (with no date to get out). The other spoke with me on the phone yesterday and said she is afraid we gave up on them (or will give up soon).
So… We could save this $1200 for the adoption… And just keep connecting with the girls by phone, skype, presents, etc. OR we can send hubby over to have some reassurance/connection time with them.
Most people I speak with says it is silly to go now (or next week more properly speaking) if there is a CHANCE we may get to travel for adoption in January.
What do you think? Any advice?
in all fairness, what is wrong with skulls? i think it looks cool! (and i’m only some-what off the mainstream path..) have a safe trip back; we can’t wait to see you! pippin and i have dinner planned for thursday that should be finley-ish; hopefully katya will like it too! ::hugs::!
In between,
I also find the pink skulls very cute… Of course I am a physical therapist and deal with bones
The backpack is too hilarious! What a bittersweet time…praying that God will bring peace and comfort to Tamara’s dear heart.