Sad News from Russia

A week ago last Thursday, I received a sad e-mail from Russia. Tatiana e-mailed me to let me know that the kid's birth mom, Elena, had passed away. This shook me a little more than I expected - I had never met the woman. There is a piece of me that is very angry with her, but there is a much larger piece that feels sorry for her. I do not know what home life for her was like as a little girl, but I do know what her life as an adult has been like in recent years. It was a tragic life that is unfortunately very common in that part of the world. I pray she knew The Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour. I e-mailed Tatiana a note back to let her know how very sorry we were to hear the news and that I would tell the kids in a few days. I even asked her about Elana's salvation. I got an e-mail back from her, but she never addressed that point. I fear Elena died not knowing there was a Heavenly Father that loved her - how horrible.

I told Tatiana that Nastya and Dima do not remember Elena, but Polina has very clear memories of her and loved her. I knew Polina would want a picture and Tatiana promised to send one. I did not tell Polina until last Sunday night. She was heart broken and grabbed hold of Dawn and let her comfort her. I told the little ones on Monday morning. They cried a little.

I spoke with our church pastor about how to "honor" their birth mom's life. I was struggling because she did not lead a life style that I felt I could honor, but I knew I needed to recognize her passing for my children and the rest of the family. She gave birth to my three youngest children and for that I am eternally grateful. Pastor recommended a flower be placed up on the communion table in her memory for today (Mother's Day). I went a little further and asked if I could just get a large arrangement of flowers. He thought that would be fine. So, this past Monday morning, I took Polina to the florist and we purchased an arrangement in memory of Elena. They were there on the table up front this morning with a note in the bulletin that they were in memory of the kid's birth mom that passed away on April 22. I took a picture tonight (forgot my camera this morning) with the kids and the flowers so I could send it to Tatiana and show her how we remembered Elena today.

So, in memory of Elena ...