Mark with Marina, April 2011

Dear Sean & Leigh Anne,

I think it was April, 2011 when I wrote to you about my son David’s desire to adopt a 16 year old visually impaired girl.  To our great delight and gratitude you responded with words of encouragement and support.  I now want to tell you our story.

It was exactly 12 months ago when I told my family that all I wanted for my birthday was for everyone to watch “The Blindside”.  I had already hosted three “Blindside DVD Nights” where I had all my friends watch the movie.  I am a counsellor and  wanted everyone to know what happens when good people do the right thin.

A short time after the movie, David, who works with visually impaired students in the Columbus Public School System, told me that he wanted to adopt one of his students.  I’m sure it was your story that showed David that adoption of an older child is possible.  My husband, Mark and I love the idea but did not give it a lot of consideration, as we thought it would be impossible for a single, white male to adopt; let along adopt one of his students.  We were wrong.

After writing to you, Mark and I returned to our home in Australia, where we now live six months a year.  We moved to Australia (my home) twenty years ago.

In August, 2011 David officially adopted our beautiful granddaughter Marina.  Marina’s mother had passed away when she was ten.  Marina and her brother lived in many foster homes both while their mother was alive and after death.

In October 2011 Mark and I returned to Columbus.

I was afraid that this letter would be too long, as I wanted to say so much, but I am now at the point where I am starting to cry, so all I want to do is express to you how very grateful I am for what you have done for us and now doubt so many others.  We all love Marina so much, and if you had not made Michael part of your family then I don’t think Marina would be part of our lives today.  My son has given Marina a future, but that pales in light of what Marina has and is doing for us.  I hate to think about how empty our lives would be without her.

When we have felt lost in the process of getting to know Marina, the movie and the books, both yours and Michael’s have been vital in our understanding of Marina and have given us home when we didn’t know what to do.  I would imagine that if Michael and Marina should ever happen to meet they would have many great things to talk about.

I would and do strongly recommend adoption of older children, the process is fairly easy and rewards are immense.

Gratefully yours,

Virginia

P.S. Go Ravens.  For the first time in my life I am watching gridiron football.