Return to the Baby Home

The next morning we arrived at the Baby Home to visit with both of the boys. “D” had slept over at the orphanage for older children which was across town. He and Ludmila, his caregiver from the boarding school, had already arrived. They were standing outside in front of the Baby Home when we drove up. Wayne and I got out of the car and “D” came excitedly toward us, only, he was actually looking for our facilitators’ son, Ivan. Ivan (Ivana as “D” called him) had been our interpreter the first day we had met “D”, and since he was younger (in his early 20”s) “D” seemed to feel an attachment to him. So, when he realized it was Zoya who was with us, and not Ivana, he was a little disappointed. He kind of shrugged his shoulders, and then resigned himself to just spending time with us!! He walked over to us, and gave us both a little hug, even though to me it seemed to be half-hearted. How could it not be??? We all walked inside to see the little brother. We walked upstairs directly to his groupa and waited. We were in the room where the caregivers have their lockers, and hang their coats and shoes. We were waiting for little A. to be ready to join us and for the boys to play together. Suddenly the big brother “D” began speaking Russian quickly and in a very panicked voice. He was getting restless, and moving, and agitated. Wayne and I looked at Ludmila the caregiver with an inquiring look on our face, as if to say “What is wrong?”. Ludmila explained that “D” was saying “Please, please, I don’t want to be left in a shelter…..I don’t want to be left in a shelter”. Apparently, being back in an orphanage setting, (he is now living in a boarding school) brought back some very uncomfortable memories. He was afraid that we were just going to leave him there and now he would be living in a shelter. I told Ludmila, his boarding school caregiver, to tell him that he is not being left here. We are only here to see his brother and to play with him. We are all spending time together and getting to know one another. He seemed relieved at that explanation. “D” had actually seen his brother the day before, for the first time in almost 2 years. He and Ludmila came over for a visit to play with his little brother just prior to coming to meet us. They apparently had a nice time together. Zoya, our facilitator, and Ludmila both asked “D” how he found his brother yesterday (meaning….what condition…or what did you think of your brother). “D” matter-of-factly answered “Normal”. We laughed at his response. HA! How did you find him?? Normal, of course!! Just then, little “A” came toddling through the door, holding the hand of one of the caregivers. “D” smiles at him (we are smiling, too) and runs over and gives his baby brother a little hug. With smiles on all of our faces, we walk down the corridor to get to a large playroom where we can all spend time together, and the boys can play together.