Dear Alla

I can't believe the time has come for you to go to college. I can remember like it was yesterday that we were waiting for you, balloons in hand, to come out of the plane from your long flight all the way from Russia. That was before the attacks on September 11, 2001 and we were able to walk to the back of the airport to watch your plane land and then taxi to the gate. 

I remember being so excited because it was like I was getting a new little sister, someone that I could hug and give kisses and watch her grow and learn. I was hoping that you would love me and not be scared and that you would like the balloons I brought you that day, even though the balloons could hardly represent the way I felt about you becoming a part of our family.

I remember seeing your white-blonde hair and your sweet, solemn face as you came into the airport. You were overwhelmed and I wanted so desperately to explain to you that it was okay to trust our family; that we would take care of you and not hurt or neglect you.

But at two years old and unable to understand the English language, with new people showering their attention upon you, you were scared and frozen and untrusting. It was a huge transition for you to make coming from the orphanage where the conditions were dire. 

In no time at all though, you started to trust and believe you were safe. You began smiling, hugging and kissing, and starting to enjoy a vibrant and joy-filled childhood. You were blessed with not one, but two moms whom love you more than life itself.

My sweet cousins: Myself, Alla, and Cassie.

I want you to know that I don't believe that it was just happenstance that you are where you are today. I believe that God chose you, even before you were born, to be a part of our family. He knew that you were special and that you needed to be in a home where you were taught love and to be yourself. He knew your moms would not try to mold you into being someone you are not, but that they would rejoice in who God created you to be. God knew you would need support during some of those hard obstacles you've had to face, and your family is the safety net He provided.

As I'm writing this, I'm looking at your Senior class picture almost in disbelief that you are now an adult about to set out on your own. You are so beautiful and look so much like my side of the family, with blonde hair and those emerald colored eyes, that I am certain it's not a coincidence. God knew too how creative you would be and how much artistic talent you would have. He knew that if He didn't handpick you for your family, your talents may be pressed down and never fully developed. Now, you are going to art school on a scholarship, chosen not by financial necessity, but out of pure, raw talent.

I don't know how you feel about prayer, but I'm going to pray for you anyway. I'm going to pray for your protection and that God send his angels to watch over you. I'm going to pray for an easy transition into college life and that you love every minute of it. I'm going to pray that you make good choices and make friends with good people. This new journey you are about to embark on is going to affect the way your story is written for the rest of your life.

The only thing I ask from you, is that you stay in touch with your moms; that you call them, keep them informed and a part of your life. Someone once said you never really know what a mother's love is like until you have a child of your own. And since having my girls, I know this to be true. This is going to be one of the hardest things your moms will ever do. In fact, it's the end of raising a child. One goes through motherhood while their children are young, doing the very best they can and trying to prepare their children to be able to leave the nest and go out into the world. When that time finally comes, they grieve. The little person that they've poured their lives into no longer is around. They will need to hear your voice. Your moms will need to know you still may need them and that they are still important to you.

Finally, my dear cousin, I want to say I love you. I've not said this enough to you in the past. I've been busy with my own life, and I've neglected to pour into yours. I'm sad because I don't know how our paths are going to cross now that you're leaving home. But, you need to know that I'm here for you. Always. If you ever feel alone or are in need of help with anything, I am here. My blessing for you Alla is this:

The Lord bless Alla

and keep Alla;

the Lord make his face shine upon Alla

and be gracious to Alla;

the Lord turn his face toward Alla

and give Alla peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Love,  

          Cara