While visiting our new son at his orphanage, I was stuck (literally and figuratively) by Vova. He is hard to look at.
Vova is covered with bruises, welts, and open sores from serious self abuse. Many days he looked more green (from the antibiotic ointment) than flesh colored. His time was spent sitting in a straight jacket or PT tube to keep him safe. A few times early in my visit I tried to reach out to him. He cowered in fear.
I went about my business of bonding with my new son, yet each night visions of Vova haunted me.
I know this boy… I know him very well. The pleading eyes, the fear of touch, the incredible sense of pain and loss. You see, at our house we have a “Vova”. Our 14 year old from Serbia is also self-abused. He was neglected and abused for the first 10 years of his life. The only time he ever got comfort was when his wounds were dressed. Through great therapy, incredible patience, and love from family, our boy has turned the corner. His open wounds have all healed—His bruises are gone. He no longer fears touch, he seeks it. He is quite simply the joy of my life. It will not be easy and easy ride but things of importance are never easy.
Vova deserves a family. I am confident that with love and support the behaviors will fade and the bright boy inside will shine. My last day with him I spoke in my (Very) broken Russian. I promised I would try to help find him a family. For the first time Vova looked at me and smiled. He let me touch his face and let me give him a hug. He looked at peace. Are you his family?
If you are interested in adopting Vladimir, 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 quoting Vladimir’s Profile Number 0147630.
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.
