Sweet Soul Sister Reunion

For Part 1 of this story, see the Kidsave article “California Teen Doesn’t Forget Friendship Forged in Bogotá“. For photos of this reunion and the rest of Monica’s story, visit my blog, Sisters’ Super Summer.

Monica and Leidy were best friends in the orphanage where they lived in Bogotá. Leidy, now 15, had the chance of a lifetime—a vacation to the United States that would ultimately introduce her to her forever family. But leaving Bogotá also meant leaving behind her very best friend. Saying their goodbyes, I imagine there were promises of “I won’t forget you”, and “Someday you will come too.”

As Leidy settled in to her new home, new language, new climate, new foods, she constantly talked to her mother about Monica. Amber and Leidy began speaking with Kidsave about Monica. Kidsave advocated for Monica and her 2 sisters, and now Monica too is enjoying her once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with her forever family.

But California isn’t exactly a quick road trip away, and for a time it appeared as though Skype would be Leidy and Monica’s best chance at reconnecting. But because of a generous offer of donated air miles, that kicked off a series of “what if’s” that ended with an East Coast trip for Leidy and her grandmother, Kat. Leidy got to meet her great-grandmother for the first time as well as some great-aunts and -uncles. But the best part was coming to little Havre de Grace, Maryland where her friend Monica is staying.

She’d set it all up ahead of time—Yes, I can come. No, I don’t want to Skype, I want the first time she sees me to be in person. Please don’t tell Monica, I want it to be a surprise. The topic of how “not good” I am at keeping surprises could be a whole ‘nother post, but let’s just say it required a Herculean effort for me to not blow the surprise, and I DID IT!! (You can pat me on the back later.) Leidy, Kat and Kat’s sister Eileen drove to our house from Annapolis. The girls were in the basement, our guests were invited in to the great room. We positioned Leidy so Monica wouldn’t see her right away, and we adults were surrounding them with cameras so we would be sure to capture the moment.

Then, we called the girls up.

At first, Monica saw Kat and Eileen (whom she had never met), then she turned and saw Leidy. It is good that Leidy is not frail, because Monica lunged at Leidy with a hug that could only be described as having come from a place so deep inside of her, for a moment it appeared as though they were one. She squealed and laughed, and hugged. Then the tears…

The entire time Monica has been here, she has talked about Leidy. When making crafts, they are gifts for Leidy. She drew pictures for Leidy. Once I asked Monica who her best friend is at the orphanage now that Leidy is here, and she just said no one, well, her sisters of course. Leidy has a special place in Monica’s heart. I mentioned to Monica that Leidy seemed like her sister in spirit, and Monica enthusiastically agreed. At about the same time, Leidy was talking with her mom, Amber, mentioning that Monica is like a sister to her.

Because of Kidsave, this reunion was made possible. Because of Kidsave, I am confident that they will have many more opportunities to remain connected throughout their lives. The bond they share is really special, and Monica needs a family that will help nurture that connection. Please spread the word!