Yesterday was Decision Day at EDS High School when they announce where all the Seniors have decided to go to college. It was quite impressive to see where this group of kids will go and what they will be studying. This was the first time I shed some tears and it definitely won’t be the last. The last of the senior activities are coming at me fast and I thought I was ok….. and I am, but let me explain where these tears orginate from.
For you to feel the full impact of Maddie’s current story you need to understand her entire story. She spent the first 27 months of her life in an orphanage in China. Orphanages in China are not the Hilton by any means. They have rationed resources and children are left to sooth and comfort themselves. My social worker once told me that for every month or 2 months a child is institutionalized it will take almost a year for that child to catch up developmentally. Needless to say, Maddie started life at a disadvantage. Once we brought her home, she had to learn a new language (she had been speaking Chinese). She struggled with a learning disability, endured years of speech therapy and specialized tutoring. She also had multiple surgeries to correct craniofacial issues she had from birth. It has been quite an uphill battle for Maddie.
But shortly after spending our first days together as a family I knew there was something special about Maddie – some grit and determination about her spirit. I think my dad felt that as well – he and her had such a special bond. I still have the video of Maddie walking off the plane in Lake Charles after 26 hours of travel from China. She was so tiny but so brave! She walked off that plane, into her new life with confidence and such purpose. And she has been walking that brave, confident and purposeful walk ever since!
Fast forward through all of the hurdles and struggles to Senior Year. Maddie applied to 17 colleges. She really didn’t know where she wanted to go. These colleges were all over the country and offered a variety of different college experiences. Maddie was accepted into all 17 colleges, most with large, generous scholarships.
So for me, the tears weren’t about my baby girl graduating and leaving the nest (I am excited for that part – I have been parenting a long time lol) My tears were about witnessing this journey. Witnessing the determination of my sweet daughter that started off with the odds against her, rising to the occasion and getting 17 letters of acceptance from some amazing colleges that all want HER! Being part of the journey that took her from unknown to KNOWN.
For 27 months Maddie didn’t have anyone to cheer her on in life, to champion her and give her the resources she needed to succeed. Our family changed that. It has been a distinct honor to be Maddie’s mom and cheer her on all these years.
I think everyone loves an underdog story – I know I do! THIS underdog story is my ALL TIME FAV! I cannot wait to see the amazing things Maddie will do in life – this is just the next step!
Look out TCU – Here she comes! #GOHORNEDFROGS
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