Max remembers Lisa!
I was in Holland when I saw this email about a new baby in need of help. His young parents couldn’t take care of their unborn baby yet, but they wanted to sort out their lives and hoped to be a family as soon as possible. While they were working hard to realize their dream, I agreed to give the baby a temporarily home in our orphanage.
On return to Jakarta, the baby was not born yet. Did he feel his start in life would have a rough beginning?
Two weeks later I got the news, the baby had arrived and the parents were going to bring him the same day! We were ready! That evening a taxi drove up the premises, and out came the parents, and in daddy’s arms was a tiny baby –boy wrapped in a blanket. My heart went out to them. They all looked so young and helpless. Quickly one of our caregivers, ibu Ipah, took over the baby Max, and I invited them in.
While his mum told her story, I could not help but wonder what it must be like for her to leave her new-born son with us. Throughout the whole pregnancy her life has been in turmoil, and it was only during the last two months of her pregnancy that she was able to connect with her child in a loving manner. It was then that she knew she wanted to keep her son, and be the mother for him every child has a right to. Apparently it was also the father who convinced her to see the true relation as mother and son, which should not be broken but must be nourished and basted with love.
They put Max in his cot, and prayed for him, gathered their things, and went on their way, alone.
Now, a year later Max is living with his parents and grandmother. The first ten months of his life, our orphanage was his home, and Max showed his happiness by growing into a happy, healthy, and cheerful boy. Thankfully, he responded very well to the transition he had to make to another family, his family that was meant to be for him from the start.
Balloons and decorations are brightening up our room, and the happy birthday notes dance through the air. Max, a little apprehensive at first, looks around, and smiles when he remembers Benny. The party begins, and we all sing for him:” Happy birthday to you, happy birthday little Max, happy birthday to you!!