You knew each other before you knew us...

Once upon a time there were two little girls. They were six weeks apart in age. They were raised in the same orphanage and adopted almost six weeks apart from each other. Based on their tan lines, they were probably with foster families, maybe even in the same orphanage village. They resembled each other very much. Half way around the world there were two mamas-in-waiting that 'met' on an Internet adoption group page. These mamas hit it off. Hundreds of miles separated these two mamas but it didn't stop them from nurturing a really special friendship. Adoption can do that.

 

Ella, Kunming February 2010.

 

Hannah, Kunming March 2010.

Stars and calendars and travel aligned. These two were reunited last month. We spent 24 hours face to face in Cleveland. We started out on a very hot morning at the zoo. Huge. Hit.

After about 10 minutes of being together.

The mamas marveled and cried happy tears in the beginning, in between and at the end. There was panda love, not to mention cool panda shirts. There were screeches and laughter.

 

They are such stunning girls and each so beautifully unique with this inescapable bond. It was as if they were picking up where they left off. No, it wasn't 'as if' they actually were picking up where they left off.

I feel it in my being.

 

Larry was a big hit.

 

 

Swimming at the extremely funky hotel was also a big hit.

Here we are at dinner about 8 hours into our visit and Mara and I are still in disbelief that we are all together.

 

 

 

The view from our room at the pool. Told you it was fun!

After a much needed good night's rest, we hit the outdoor patio with much needed coffee. And the adults were ecstatic to see a portion of their childhood awaiting them on the game shelf.

 Chris did a fine job of showing the girls how to play Rock 'em, Sock 'em Robots.

What a truly special gift for all of us. Ella hasn't stopped talking about Hannah since our visit, especially when she sees a bird of any sort (Hannah's favorite). Until the next time, sweet friends. Thank you for such wonderful memories for our girls.

~H