To Michael, our biggest surprise

To Michael, our biggest surprise❤❤

You came to us eight months ago accompanied by the social worker. You came in your stroller, your anchor, and your lifebuoy. You didn’t agree to leave it even for a minute. You used it as a high chair, a bed, and of course, as a stroller to go for walks. In short, the stroller was your home on wheels. You guarded it and did not agree to leave it. It was the only memory you had from your mother with whom you had been so close. You never had a chance to say goodbye to her. She just instantaneously disappeared.

Your whole world was destroyed. You didn’t stop crying for three weeks. You experienced enormous angst. We were worried and tried to help you and calm you down. You were so cute but tense and afraid of strangers. We did not know how to make such a small child who didn’t trust anyone, feel secure.

But only time heals all wounds.

Patiently and gradually, you discovered that you could trust Grandma Yael and Grandpa Avner, and everyone in the family, who are all familiar and safe figures to you. Step by step, you made progress, adjusted nicely at daycare and our home, and even became a wise, little leader. We got to know your big heart hidden inside your little body, and together we marched towards a good, safe life. You are still in tune with your inner voice, but you trust while checking and examining.

Tiny, dear Michael, you are a brilliant and determined boy. You like to help everyone, and you have a compassionate heart.

You are alert, and you notice everything new at home. When you first came, you weren’t speaking yet besides the word “Ima.” Today you have become a little chatterbox that knows how to say everything. You are simply a charming little prince. You have transformed from an anxious little baby chick to a confident swan that knows what he wants. Little one, you taught us that nothing stands in the way of desire.

You were with us for nearly nine challenging and interesting months as a temporary home for children to stay in until a permanent and safe home is found for them.

So dear Michael, the time has come for us to say goodbye and for you to go to another home, to Ima Michal and Aba Avia (not their real names), who live not too far from here, and they are waiting for you to come and live with them and all of their children.

They have gotten a nice bed ready for you and lots of lovely games. Your dear Ima loves you very much and is concerned about you, but it is a little hard for her to raise you, so she is happy that you are in good hands.

I cannot believe that I am saying goodbye to you, my dear Michael. You have always been right next to me these past months, and I am sure that I will miss you very much. You liked to sleep near our room, that made you feel calm and safe.

I will always remember our walks to the parks, the riding toys, and the strollers, the soccer ball that you always kicked far like a professional.

I could stay up all night telling you stories from our times together. Michael, you have managed to touch my heart, and I love you so much. I am already sad to say goodbye, but I know it is the best thing for you.

Wishing you success in the good life that awaits you and that you should grow and flourish and glorify the people of Israel.

I bless you again and hope that you will always remember us.

With much love and blessing from Saba and Savta Shriki, who love you very, very, much.

May the blessing of G-d accompany you and never leave you.