Sweet Matilda was found abandoned with a red thread bracelet tied to her wrist. In China, these bracelets symbolize happiness and prosperity. Whoever tied it to her thin little arm must have been overwhelmed with desperation and hope. Desperation because of what was about to happen – they were about to walk away from this little girl, abandoning her to a future without them. And hope that the bracelet would somehow realize their longing for something better, somehow demonstrate their love and protect their child. In adoption communities, a red thread bracelet has come to symbolize the connection that draws families together – so it was bittersweet that Matilda’s bracelet represented a family torn apart.
We often wonder if Matilda’s family are thinking of her – the act of tying the bracelet to her wrist clearly showed that they wished happiness for their girl. While she grieved her loss terribly at first and took some time to settle in, we think her family would find some peace if they could see her now.
Their little girl has been welcomed into our family without reservation. Her English name was chosen with care – one of our trustees named her after his cherished oldest daughter . Matilda means strength in battle – and Matilda has certainly shown her strength. She is loved, she is thriving, and she knows joy. We wish it was different – we wish her first family were here to experience all this too. But we hope they know we are honouring her red thread bracelet. Their girl is treasured and their wish for her happiness fulfilled. In return, we wish them peace.
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