14 February 2008

a small token of gratitude














I have been thinking for a while about what little token I can give to the woman who found Paisley? Yes, we know who she is...in fact, she works at the orphanage where Paisley now lives.

It's not uncommon for someone at an orphanage to be called to 'come to pick up a baby' that has been found, but it is less common for an actual orphanage worker to 'find' a child. This is a far less common scenario and we have been told by someone who researches these things on a daily basis, that this could mean one very important thing...that the person who found Paisley was 'possibly' told where to find her by her birthparents. A valuable clue...one we may never have the real answer to...but knowledge seems so close. So,...my mission was to find a small gift, nothing too crazy or over the top...just a simple token to give the woman who found Paisley...and perhaps...just perhaps it might someday make it's way back to Paisley's birthmother...a lofty dream, yes....but we are allowed to hope. Yet I neither assume that my intentions will be met with joy or wonder, they could be as easily met with disinterest or denial, as it is the way of many Chinese to look foward and not ponder what has past, call me an optimist, it is the action that counts the most, and that is what I will hold nearest.

I found this pendant on Etsy, a lady in Singapore makes these tiny frames, I emailed her with our story and request and she immediately agreed to make a custom charm for a necklace. With Paisley's photo on the front, and the words 'safe' and 'love' on the back. Just something to let them know Paisley will be safe, and loved in her new home.


I also bought this charm to sit alongside it, it means Luck & Wealth...something I hope for not only Paisley, but for her birthparents and those who care for her. I can only hazard a guess, but I suspect life is not kind to those who have to make the decision to place their children to be found...I will not assume anything, yet I am sure I will imagine everything...the complex and complicated scenario that took place when that decision was made. I am grateful that I will have this child, one who otherwise had little hope for a future, but I will always have a place in my heart and soul for her birthparents, and I hope she will too.

22 comments:

Anna B. said...

Hayley this a beautiful post and such a thoughtful and soulful thing you are doing. What a brilliant idea!
Blessings to ALL the Hoppes!

Deb said...

What a wonderful gift idea Haley! Very cool!

Patricia said...

WOW! What a blessing to know who found your daughter! This is a beautiful & thoughtful gift which I'm sure will be treasured forever.
Beautiful & eloquent post too, Hayley!

Maia said...

It's a beautiful token!
I love etsy.

Carrie said...

oh Hayley you are so sweet1

John & Michelle said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Denise said...

You are such a thoughtful person to do this...very beautiful post~

Fliss and Mike Adventures said...

Does this lady do these and sell them online? I have been looking EVERYWHERE for a simple charm like this I could put on a chain with a photo in it but can't find one anywhere... I think it is a great gift and I am sure the lady who found Paisley will really like it... take care

JoAnn in NJ said...

Adorable!
And I tagged you for a meme, you can check out my blog for details! :)

tiffany said...

I love these necklaces and wore a similar one while waiting to travel for Levi. :) What a nice idea for the wonderful person who made sure Paisley was cared for while in China.

OH MY #6 said...

So, so nice.

Lea

Tamara said...

I LOVE these charms and the sentiment behind them even more. Beautiful!

I am sure Paisley's nanny will treasure it and I'm sure if her birthparents were able to talk to you, your feelings would give them a little peace and reassurance on the impossibly difficult choice they made as well.

Michele said...

Great idea. I'm sure it will be very appreciated.

Carrie said...

oh yes-we can travel together! oh do you have to wait on anything? like husbands work? we are nuts too! we will get along great! I can leave asap!

OziMum said...

Beautiful charms.

Cavatica said...

That's amazing that you know that much! I'm so grateful for the connection we have to our daughter's orphanage, but what you have ... wow! That is a beautiful and thoughtful gift.

Sanders' Double Happiness said...

I love your post and the charm. I hadn't heard of etsy, but now I am a big fan.

:)
Stacey

redmaryjanes said...

I think your gifts are beautiful. I hope that you are right and that they find their way back to the birth parents. I have often thought of how I could possibly get word to my daughter's birth parents that she has a family and she is loved. I have wondered if I left something at her finding place if it would find its way back.

Cammie said...

What a precious gift! I am sure it will be treasured always!

"M2" said...

you are so thoughtful
that is the most perfect gift.
I hope it does land in her birthmom's hands.

Chris K said...

Do you have a link to her store? Thanks!!!

JMCS said...

Beautiful. What a wonderful idea. I hope the charm finds its way to Paisley's birthmother. Estsy is great isn't it?

Hugs,
Jonni