Another Milestone

We were told by the people at the orphanage that Wynn was ready to leave and they were right. After a brief meeting and tea with the orphanage director, his didi (nanny) sat on the floor with Wynn (Bishwa to her), wrapped a large towel around his neck and fed him a bowl of noodles with vegetables. Then we all went downstairs to the room where he's lived his entire life and passed out lollipops and coloring books to his 'roommates.' Then they all waved goodbye to him. There wasn't a bit of sadness from his little friends. It was as if they were wishing him well. He walked out the front door of the orphanage, with only the clothes on his back, and carrying his photo album and letter. He never looked back.

Aruna reminded us how small his world has been. Other than a car trip to the clinic when they're sick, the kids rarely having outings. He sat in the van and looked out the window, saying nothing.

When we got back the apartment, we showed him around and then we got the idea that he really wanted to go outside. So we all took a walk around our neighborhood, which he loved. This is a boy who will want to be outside. Once we were back inside, Bret and Wynn were on the outside terrace when Bret called us outside to see a double rainbow. . .surely a sign of good luck.

The rest of the evening was ordinary to any parent with young children, dinner, baths and a little playtime. Now, amazingly, both Leah and Wynn are asleep together on a mattress on the floor. I said to Bret, "Not bad for the first day."