My Dearest Alex - from Mom

Wow! You are starting a big adventure visiting beautiful South Korea - the country where you were born and the country that brought you to us! Mommy is just soooooo happy and proud of you!!! You are growing us so well, dear son, if only you wouldn't do it so fast, lovee bear! You will now have visited the country where you and Derek were born, where Daddy was born, and of course, where Mommy was born. Quite the young world traveller, you are!

Besides visiting beautiful and interesting South Korea, with all its new sights, sounds, smells and special people, this trip includes another special visit for you - that of hopefully meeting your foster mother. You already know that Mommy and Daddy are grateful to her and love her for for all the care and love she gave our first son just after you were just born. You will not be able to remember her as you were just so young. But, she will remember you and still love you - after all the careful care she gave you, all the feedings and diaper changing (!), awakening at night with you, keeping you safe, and making you smile and laugh which you did so easily (I think that is what she will remember the most about you because that is one of the very special things about you!).

It's okay if you feel shy, or a little nervous, or just feel strange when you meet her. You won't be able to talk with each other since you each speak different languages, but maybe there will be a translator with you. But using words is not the only way people can talk with each other - you can use what is called "body language"... You can look into each other's eyes, touch, smile, and even hug. She and you may even feel like crying and that's okay too. You may even want to take out the photo of her family that I packed for you and ask about what your foster father did in the army? Basically Alex, all she wants is to see you as your wonderful self again, how you look now, and how well you have grown up. So if you are feeling shy and want to hide behind Daddy or between his legs (!), she won't get a very good look at you. It would be a good challenge for you to overcome those feelings, if you have them, and just be yourself and let her enjoy that.

Mommy wishes she could meet your foster mother again too, and I would certainly cry. I also wish I could experience your feelings with you during the trip, but I'm sure you will bring back many photos and videos - maybe you will be a young photographer and "cameraman" by the time you return too!
Of course, you are missed here - but remember, all that Mommy wishes for is for you and Daddy to have the greatest trip possible!!! I LOVE YOU! Mom xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo