I'm an Adoptive Step Great Aunt! Or Whatever!

[mamculuna]

It's annunciation time!

I don't think I've given the back story on this. First, I have two wonderful sons and two also wonderful stepdaughters, all in their 30's, but for their own good reasons, none reproducing. And so you know how I'm looking longingly at other people's grandkids.

I have a dear young friend with whom I've worked very closely for several years, establishing an ESL program and doing other things. She was divorced about five years ago, and being in her mid thirties, decided to do a single-parent adoption of a Chinese baby (her sister lives in China). Since we were so close, she's invited me to be the granma in this city (her parents live about 200 miles away). I'm planning to go with her to China this fall to pick up the baby.

She got the call today!!!!! The baby--or little girl, don't know that yet--is called Shuangfei. Does anyone know anything about that name? What about Fei as a stand-alone name?

She's from Changde, Hunan Province. We'll probably go for her in early November. Her American names will be Lydia Susan (for mom's family) and she'll be called Lydia. One really cool thing is that the mom (the adoptive, American one) in the interim met and has become very serious with a really fine man--and he has been sterilized. She'll still adopt as single parent, but in years to come, may marry him.

Just as I was waiting for my email to download, I was doing my I Ching for today--finished it just as her message downloaded. Here it is, with no cut this time:

14 Possession in Great Measure

Li, the clinging, flame is over
Chien, the creative, heaven.

The fire in heaven above shines far, and all things stand out in the light and become manifest. Supreme success.

I have to believe my happiness is winging through the electrons to all of you.

Comments

[rachelmanija.livejournal.com]

That's wonderful! (And I particularly liked hearing about someone older than me getting serious with a fine man-- who might marry a woman with an adopted child. Does he have a brother?) Do blog all about the trip.

[mamculuna.livejournal.com]

I will! And I found a great man when I was 45--and there were plenty of kids to go around. I think my friend's (and mine) is not an unusual story--if you make a nice life, someone will be happy to share it.

I lived in China 10 years ago--will have lots to say about the changes.

[midnightsjane.livejournal.com]

What wonderful news! I am happy for you all. I look forward to reports of your trip. Keep us posted! :)

[scrollgirl.livejournal.com]

Ooh, congrats! I'm glad your friend is adopting -- there are plenty of little girls in China who could do with good families :)

I have no idea what the name means, but I'll ask my parents tomorrow!