An adoptive mother living in Wisconsin writes and shares her story with another adoptive mother in Tennessee after she read Louisiana Sandusky's book. She and her husband adopted six sons, all from China.
Author's note...I know I did a bunch today, but that is to make up for tomorrow and Monday; the library will be closed for Memorial Day, so I won't be able to get back here until Tuesday. So on that note, let me wish y'all a very safe and happy Memorial Day! :)
Saturday, May 28, 2005, 3:50 p.m., E.D.T.~
Dear Louisiana Sandusky~
Hello! I reckon you don't know me, but that is okay...I wanted to write to you after I read your uplifting and inspiring story about you and your family. You have a very lovely looking family; but wow...so many kids!! How do you manage to keep tabs on over FIFTY kids??
My name is Tonya Michelle Givens, and I live in Racine, Wisconsin, with my husband, Gabe, and our six sons, all of whom are adopted. They come from China, and they are special little guys. Our kids are named Chin Po (otherwise known as Gabriel Ryan; he's our oldest at seven), Wei Yun (known as Trevor Ethan; he is six), Ping Xi (five; he is known here in America as Wynn stewart), Jie Tse (four; known now as Ethan Corbin), Gie Kim (three; he is now known as Tanner Cale), and finally (but never last!), Feh Shu (two; now known as Brandon Kelvin).
They are also disabled.
Gabe has autistic tendencies (but he is still a loveable little boy; he is what is known as a "high functioning autistic"), while Trevor has severe skin and respiratory problems (he has been in the hospital half a dozen times this past year; he's the reason why our hair is turning grey!). Wynn has cerebral palsy (but CAN walk with forearm crutches and braces on his legs) while Ethan and Tanner are both hearing-impaired and communicate via sign language. As for little Brandon, who has only been with us since December, he has Tourette's syndrome, and there is a possibility that he too may be autistic. So, as you can see, we have a very full house, and the boys keep both my husband and myself extremely busy.
But at the moment, I am alone: Gabe took the boys to see "Madagascar" at the movie theatre, so I am enjoying a much-needed break. Anyway, I read your book, "A Family Made out of Miracles and Rainbows", and I was extremely moved. I also purchased your follow-up book, "...And The Miracles Continue", but have yet to read it. Raising a family of six boys, all with special needs, doesn't leave this mother much time to herself, and at times I wonder why we did something so unorthodox or crazy; but when we first heard about the kids, we couldn't help ourselves; and when we saw their pictures, that was what prompted us to go ahead and do the proceedings to get the boys. So now we have six sons, and that is in addition to my own two teenaged daughters, who are now away at college. My daughers are named Wendy and Griselda, and they both go to school in Texas. So in all reality, we have EIGHT children, two natural-born, and six adopted, two girls and six very active little boys! :)
The neighbors have mostly been accepting of our decision to adopt kids with special needs, but of course, you have those who stare or make comments, but we mostly just ignore them and try to go on. Have the neighbors had any problems with your brood? I pray and hope not! There is nothing worse to me than rude, obnoxious people who have nothing better to do than to make the lives of others miserable!
I do hope you write back to me. I don't have all that many friends, and I am too busy being stuck inside the house, mothering six active little ones, and trying to keep my sanity while Gabe earns a living as a garbage collector. I also am a homeschool instructor, so my life is very limited at best. Again, I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your first book (and am looking forward to reading the sequel!) and say what a wonderful thing you are doing for humanity! God bless you, Louisiana Sandusky!
Sincerely yours, Tonya Michelle Givens in Wisconsin. :)
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Reviewed by Tracey L. O' Very
5/29/2005
Karen, I really like this one It really shows how insensitive some people are and also shows how unselfishly caring others truly are, yet can find time to send a loving letter. This is really nice. Thanks Karenxo
Tracey
Karla is right... the names that you come up with are very creative and unique... you have a wonderful imagination... another fine write... have a happy holiday
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Saturday, May 28, 2005, 3:50 p.m., E.D.T.~
