Seven Years

Seven years ago tonight at about 10:20pm eastern standard time (9:20am on May 16th in Russia) Nastia and I became mother and daughter, when a Kemerovo judge came back with her verdict. In many ways it seems like yesterday, but watching the videos of that time today made me realize how very far we've come -- a seven year journey to now. Amazing.

I'll try to post the video here. The first is the moment after we left the court room. The other is Nastia talking to my Dad on the phone. My Dad died three weeks later, so it really comforts me to see that he at least heard her voice. Nastia did most of the videotaping, so be prepared for motion sickness..lol.



and this...



and this....where she attempts to teach us to count...

and, of course, this (written a year after she'd been home.)

So grateful for my girl. I don't have much to say lately and haven't posted much, but today warrants a word, a remembrance of that day.

I love you more than words can wield the matter, my girl. You are my greatest joy!