Dearest Liezl

I have wanted to start writing this letter since I first heard that you will be adopted. It’s important for me that you understand how this all happened and why we chose this for you. Now that it is almost time for you to leave South Africa, I realize that I have a lot that I want to share with you.

I remember the day you came to Durbanville Children’s Home. I remember thinking that you have such a nice smile, and that you, like all the children at Durbanville Children’s Home, should not have to grow up here. This is not a real family but we try our best to make sure that all your needs are met. Ultimately we wanted you to be happy.

This has also been a scary process for me. I think because your adoption has been the first one that I have been involved in. Also because I care about you so much and want you to be happy. I remember the day I told you that you will be adopted. I remember sitting with you and Aunty Carmen in the garden. You cried so much – so did I when I got home. I think you were overwhelmed at the idea. Durbanville Children’s Home was your Home. You were happy here. It broke my heart seeing you cry but I needed to be strong. You deserved to be part of a family. You deserved more than a life in a children’s home.

I enjoyed our sessions together during the preparation for your adoption. Reading together while sitting on my mat. You also enjoyed drawing pictures of your family. Lots of emotions – happy, sad, scared. I’m thankful that we could share these emotions together and feel blessed that I could walk this journey with you.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your life. You have a very special place in my heart and I believe that you are a very special girl who is already making such a difference in the world. You are kind, caring, loving and brave. You are very brave.

Someone special to me once reminded me of these inspiring words from the song “I hope you dance” by Lee Ann Womack

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance, I hope you dance, I hope you dance. 

All my love dear Liezl from Aunty Jessica