One reads about abandoned children or those who have run away from home and the accounts of good Samaritans who go out of their way to bring a ray of hope into their lives.
These amazing adults travel to countries far away and raise funds to provide the less fortunate with a better life. A whole new world of exciting opportunities is suddenly revealed to them. These kids had never dreamt of a life where they are cherished and their needs catered to without a struggle.
The UAE is a fine example of reaching out to those in need, with its campaigns for refugee children or those living in countries where even one square meal cannot be taken for granted.
So, when I hear of someone I know going out of her way to adopt an abandoned girl child from India, I am struck by the goodness of humanity. This single working woman lives in a European country and has a great job. She had set her mind on offering an abandoned child a home.
She went about the adoption process through official government channels. There was a lot of paperwork involved as well as court appearances and many flights to India.
The girl she chose was from an orphanage run by the Social Affairs Ministry. Housed in an old building, there were several scores of abandoned children being looked after here.
Her first visit almost broke her heart as she wished she could give all of them a second chance. However, she was pleased to see that the young ones were kept clean and fed simply but well.
While the wheels started turning, she went on a shopping spree back in Spain, buying all that a two-year-old girl’s heart could desire.
The long-awaited day arrived at last when she was given official charge. There was a lot of support from family back home in India.
Before flying out to Spain, they spent a few days at an aunt’s house. For the young girl, being the centre of attention after being just one among many, must have been overwhelming. But, like all children, she took this in her stride.
The new mother began a journey of discovery of her own. Her daughter definitely had a sweet tooth. The sight of her face lighting up on seeing an assortment of Indian sweetmeats made that very clear.
But the little girl was used to feeding herself. The new mother heaved a silent sigh of relief as she realised she wouldn’t be running round in circles trying to coax a recalcitrant child to eat.
The first bath was also an eye-opener. As soon as she was made to sit in the bath, she took the soap and started soaping herself without being told. Then she waited, clothed in soap suds, for water to be poured on her as had been her experience in the orphanage.
This sign of independence made the mother’s heart swell with pride even as she realised that this must have been taught to the child by caregivers who were probably overworked. She began gently scrubbing the little body and rinsed off the suds. After towelling her dry, she squirted some body lotion on her tiny limbs, The child stared at the blobs, wondering what was coming next. She watched as the lotion was gently rubbed into her skin. Soon, she took over, delighting in the sensation and the attention being paid to her.
These are but tiny vignettes in the little girl’s new life. She has since flown to her new home in Spain where she will meet more family — aunts, uncles and cousins. She will hear a strange language being spoken and will soon master it. But, starting from now, all she will experience is being safe in the warm embrace of love.
Welcome to our family, Naomi Prashanti.
