Madison's adoption story

Journey to Madison
By Brenda

In November of 2000 my husband David died of a massive heart attack. His death left a huge, gaping hole in my life. I wondered what the rest of my life would be like without him. Some six months later a co-worker was beginning the paperwork for an adoption. In the course of lunchtime conversation she casually mentioned that singles could do this, too. That was enough to start me on the road to my wonderful daughter, Madison who has filled that void in my life.

The paperwork took up much of the summer. Then the waiting began. There were things happening in Vietnam and rumors were flying of Vietnam closing to U.S. adoptions. Then the heartbreak of 9/11 and I selfishly worried if it would have any effect on my flying to Vietnam for Maddie.

I anxiously watched for a FedEx envelope to be waiting on my doorstep each day as I pulled into the driveway. Two days after Christmas I received a phone call from the agency. Four babies had just been released for adoption. I was in line. Did I want to go forward without the pictures they usually provide? Of course I did. Through tears I listened to my instructions about flying to Vietnam in three weeks to file the paperwork. The trip was a thirty-three hour ordeal. I arrived in Ho Chi Minh City after midnight and set my alarm to rise at six. We were going to the orphanage to meet the babies.

My first memory of her is of a tiny person with a round little head covered with dark fuzz. She studied the fan rotating overhead and me equally seriously. All too soon the hour was up, the babies returned, and we went to file our paperwork. Then home again to begin the wait for the pick-up trip.



I was accompanied on that trip by a close family friend. Ho Chi Minh City was amazing. The sights, sounds, and smells all foreign from anything I had ever seen. The people were so very kind. Many came up to us on the street and in stores asking if we were taking the baby to America. When we replied, yes, we invariably got a GOOD! We collected jewelry, embroidered goods, and maps from these people who were so poor, but wanted this child to have some remembrances of her birth country.

We had a wonderful couple facilitating our trip. They made sure paperwork was accurate, our responses were pat for the officials, and that we found the best restaurants and shops. It was two wonderful weeks, but we were ready to come home. The airport in Harrisburg was swarming with family and friends. The house equally full when we arrived. All were ready and waiting to welcome this new little person to our circle.

I can no longer remember life before Madison. She has brought indescribable joy to my life. She has grown into an intriguing combination of a tomboy who loves to be active and a “girly-girl” who loves dressing up like a princess and wearing swirly dresses. Thank goodness she is still a snuggler who likes nothing better than to cuddle with Mom while she drinks her morning juice. Her limitless energy tests my endurance but every day spent with this miracle of a daughter is a gift I will never take for granted.