In Memory of Ms. Adel

Adel and Colin, January 2007

The Tuesday morning after Labor Day in 2006, I returned back to work from maternity leave. I honestly had not fully expected to return at all, but this was something I needed to do for our family for a time.

The first day I brought Colin in it was a little past 7am, and Ms. Adel, Colin's care provider, was buzzing about the room with her coffee while she listened to Phantom of the Opera. I can still remember it so clearly, as though it was a foreshadowing of our coming relationship together as parent/care provider:

No more talk
of darkness,
Forget these
wide-eyed fears.
I'm here,
nothing can harm you -
my words will
warm and calm you.
Let me be
your freedom,
let daylight
dry -your tears.
I'm here,
with you, beside you,
to guard you
and to guide you . . .

Ms. Adel had such a special way of understanding just how to work with Colin through feeding challenges -- how to get him to nap just right. I never doubted her ability to care for him in a way that at times far surpassed my expectations. I was emotionally running on empty much of the fall while she cared for him (5 months total) and she was my lifeline.

Many days when I went to pick him up, she was singing to him a Russian lullaby and she was speak to him such beautiful Russian words. Colin was lucky to have her full love and adoration, as were do many other children at The Ark.

Sadly, Ms. Adel passed away just 2 short days ago. We are shocked and saddened that she is gone. Thank you, Ms. Adel, for standing beside us as new parents and guiding us and for loving Colin.

I had so much I wanted to share with you about Colin from the last time we spoke. We will think of you often and will tell Colin all about you.