It probably takes a special person to hear and see emptiness…
I personally can’t stand silence and that’s why I switch on the radio as soon as I come back home. I need to hear people’s voices because silence kills me.
Children of certain age tend to long for parents’ warmth. Children need parents’ love and care; they always happily respond with their smiles or at least develop the way every child should.
Little orphans also long for love, kind words, a gentle touch and smile. Most of them do anyway.
Vlada seems to be such a special child who can hear and see emptiness. There is nothing but emptiness in her eyes. She is absolutely indifferent to sounds and people around her.
Children with Down syndrome are known to be very communicative even if they have some speech problems. They hug adults all the time and they love holding someone’s hand for a long time. Vlada, however, remains indifferent. She cares neither for people who work with her every day, nor of the constantly buzzing flies around her.
She does not feel interested in any musical toys. She has no fear of tickling and never responds to any touch. The only thing she sees and hears is empty silence.
This thirteen-year old girl certainly does not look her age. Sometimes it seems as though that Vlada is mature enough to suffer from youthful despair when one feels lonely and unwanted in this big world. That is why such lonely children have nothing but a blank look for this cold world.
I want to believe that Vlada will respond to this world one day. I want to see her smiling. I hope she will see real love in someone’s eyes and will finally dare to look at this world, this amazing place full of colours, people and sounds. Now Vlada is one of these unique children who can hear and see empty silence and look through people…
If you are interested in adopting Vlada, please read the memo to the potential adoptive parents, guardians, and foster parents; you can also contact Children’s Affairs' service of the Zaporozhia State Administration by telephone (061) 239-01-56 and to tell them the number of Vlada's profile accordingly to the orphan list # 0147721.
Other children who dream of finding a family
If for some reason you are currently not able to adopt (for example, you are a student and do not have a family of your own yet) you are still able to help children at a boarding school (an orphanage with your financial support. Ways you can help include: planning and participating in excursions and trips for children; visiting a child in an orphanage; or helping purchase developmental toys, books, construction sets, and sports equipment.
