Meeting Lera and Lena

We arrived in Izmail and met the girls...we met Lera first, she's beautiful and reminds us much of Caelia. We accepted her referral immediately. We met Lena second, she's beautiful as well, but unfortunately we are not going to be bringing her home, we were both shocked at how small and fragile she was. The way her heart condition was explained by the staff at the orphanage (and consulted through an interpreter with another physician) it is unlikely that it could be repaired. She has multiple issues which would make her unsuitable for surgery, even in the US and we don't even have confidence that she would survive the flight. It's heartbreaking for us to have to make this decision knowing what fates may be held for her here, but it is one we had to make for our family. If we were to attempt to bring her home, she would require everry bit of Sheila's attention to care for her and being the one who goes to work everyday, I can't ask her to do that alone, there would be little time left for the other children. We also worried at what this would do to Michael, he is very sensitive and if we were to bring Lena home knowing that so little could be done for her and he were to get attached and something were to happen to her, he would be absolutely devastated as would we. It was a hard decision we did not make lightly. We ask that everyone respect our decision.

15 comments:

amyl4 said...

Sheila,
I know this must be so hard for you, but please know that we are all praying for you and your family.
Amy

Anonymous said...

I'm praying for you and I support you.
I'm sorry you have been faced with this difficult decision.
Congratulations on your new daughter.
Sincerely,
Lisa (RR)

Dolores said...

Each of these Ukrainian journeys happening right now seem to be filled with sadness AND joy. We're happy for you about Lera and mourn with you about Lena. We respect the discernment you have for what is right for your family. We hope all goes well with the rest of your trip! God bless you and congratulations again on dear Lera!
Dolores.

Anonymous said...

You are in our thoughts and prayers. We all realize that this decision was the best one for you and your family. She will be in our thoughts and prayers as this child was placed on this earth for a reason. We pray that all is going well for you and can't wait to see pictures of your new daughter.

Shelley said...

We're praying for you! What a difficult decision.
We're also very happy to hear about Lera!

Julie said...

Thank you for sharing what is happening in your journey. I am praying for you and support the difficult decision you had to make. I am also rejoicing with you about your new daughter.
Blessings,
Julie (RR group)

The Spicer Family said...

Praying for you, sweet Sheila, that God's peace that passes all understanding would encompass you. Your RR aunties are behind you as you go through this time.

Love to you! jill

The Spicer Family said...

Praying for you, sweet Sheila, that God's peace that passes all understanding would encompass you. Your RR aunties are behind you as you go through this time.

Love to you! jill

Christina said...

Sheila and hubby...

I will be praying for you, and may the joy you feel over Lera, help to ease the pain you now have in your heart for Lena. I know this was not a decision you came to lightly, and I will be praying that your hearts will heal quickly.
Many (((hugs))to you...

Christina
RR Group

Arizona mom to eight said...

God bless all of you.

We have known the disappointment and heartbreak of not bringing the child home we went there to adopt.

We also know amazing and wonderful happiness while with our Kara and love her more each day.

We respect your families decision.

Kris RR

deanie said...

Sheila, I pray you find peace in your own hearts. You have our support and prayers. We cannot save them all and I am sure Lena has served the way God had planned. We are happy for you and your daughter Lera. With each journey of a family to pick up their children...we all learn something. Decisions sometimes have to be made that are very difficult and not without considerable reflection. Thank you for taking this journey and sharing your family with all of us. deanie and the boyz

Anonymous said...

Sheila, we have been praying for your journey and your family. I know it is heart breaking for you to be faced with this decision about Lena, but know that her Father, who loves her even more than you do, is with her.

Congratulations on your new daughter. I peeked at the pictures before posting this comment. She looks like a joy!

Natalie (RR)

Anonymous said...

Your family is in our thoughts and prayers - we pray that you find peace and know that there are many here to support you.
Mandy
RR

juangonzalez said...

Hi Sheila, your daughter is just so beautiful! I know that all will go well on your trip and I wish you the best.

Lori said...

Hi Guys, I am so sorry I didn't see you before you left, I thought you were leaving Sunday evening.

I am so sorry to hear about Lena, what a heartbreaking decision to have to make.

Lera is so beautiful, I can't wait to meet her and welcome her to our family. I Love you both.See you soon, Lori