They saved my life by bribing the police in a foreign country.

Dear Mom and Dad,

Not only did you save my life, but you gave me life. You showed me unconditional love through your actions and taught me how to be accepting towards everyone and everything. I am neither your race nor your blood, but you loved me as your own.

Thank you for never giving up on me after my country refused adoptions in the middle of the process. While I was far away in another land, you were planning babysitters for your healthy children and took months off from work just so that you could hold me and bring me to America. I was dying from malnutrition, had black teeth and crooked legs. Being the unhealthiest and the oldest in the orphanage, no one wanted me; but you knew I needed love and wanted me. You even flew across the world and bribed the government without knowing the possibilities, but then you found me. After a few months in America, my legs straightened, and after a few weeks I spoke fluent English.

Today I am a healthy, genuine, lively, and smart individual because of you both. Although everything on my documents are made up by the government, like my name and birthday, my sense of identity is not lost. Although I was abandoned without any note, I do not question it. Although I do not know or rememeber my birth parents who kept me until I was a toddler, I know I was and am loved. Because of the events that led to where I am now, I do not doubt my luck or the sense of purpose even in my toughest moments.

Thank you for sacrificing your beautiful lives so that I could have one. Thank you for giving me everything I could possibly need and letting me learn from my own mistakes. Thank you for believing in me. The impact you have made in not only my life but many others in the world by saving villages, giving hope, and spreading love is mesmerizing. There has never been a day where you said or showed anything less than unconditional love. I am beyond grateful and truly honored to be your daughter.

Sincerely,

L