Mei-Lynn's Story
By Debbie B
My name is Debbie B. I adopted my daughter Mei-Lynn on March 30th, 2003. This is the beginning of our story.
One day while reading our local Penny Saver I spotted an ad for an international adoption seminar. Jane Miller (who later became my wonderful Social Worker) was running a group at the Oyster Bay Library.
I immediately enlisted my friend Susan's help. Saturday morning arrived and I was paralyzed; Susan became my courage. She boldly walked in and got me the information packet. I was so excited until I began reading through the paperwork. It was overwhelming. The packet sat on my kitchen counter for weeks. After I spilled a cup of coffee on it, I threw it out. It just wasn’t the right time.
Fast-forward one year, there was the same ad in the same Penny Saver. This time I showed up, again with Susan in hand. The paperwork still overwhelmed me, but this time it was different. I put one foot in front of the other and January 24th, 2003 I received the call. My daughter's name was Sui Mei Lian. She was turning one the following day.
On March 30th, 2003 we became a family. Being Mei-Lynn’s mother is the greatest gift. She is the joy of my life. Now every "Gotcha Day" our celebration begins at the Oyster Bay Library with our friend Susan.