Remember Xiang Xiang and her foster family’s story that we shared last month? After some sleepless nights filled with fear of being left alone, Xiang Xiang settled happily into her home, with a joy that captivated her foster parents and three big brothers. In fact, now, she laughingly scolds her brothers when they complain about going to sleep at night. “Mama says early to bed and early to rise will keep you healthy. We all need to do what she says!”
Part Two
Xiang Xiang’s Journey
One-Sky trained foster parents, Juqin and Hongshang, knew it would be difficult for Xiang Xiang to leave them for her surgery and rehabilitation at the OneSky China Care Home, but they also knew she would be well cared for while she was there. They hoped that the newfound feeling of belonging and security she felt at home would carry over to her new environment.
The family was so worried about Xiang Xiang that they weren’t prepared for how they would feel without her. Her brothers kept asking when Xiang Xiang would return; they were bored after school without her games. “I miss her following me around all day, my ‘little shadow,’” Juqin told her husband at night. “And, of course, I miss our bedtime routine.”
At the China Care Home, her primary caregiver, Lujie, created an inviting space where Xiang Xiang could play and explore in the days leading up to her surgery. Xiang Xiang was more subdued than at home, but Lujie’s gentle warmth made her feel comfortable and safe, and finally ready for her surgery. When she woke from the surgery, Lujie was there to hold her and ensure she wasn’t in pain.
The connecting thread in Xiang Xiang’s story is OneSky’s caregiver training. At the child welfare institution, in foster care, and then at the China Care Home in Beijing, each place holds loving adults who provide specialized, responsive care and child-centered learning opportunities to Xiang Xiang and many others like her.
Day in and day out as Xiang Xiang’s right hand began to heal, Lujie worked with her at the China Care Home to practice ways to use her hand to support, hold and move objects. With the surgeon separating her thumb from the rest of her small hand, Xiang Xiang became more dexterous. At the same time, she began writing and painting with her left hand.
Finally, the day came for Xiang Xiang to return home. Just like the first day she met them, she ran to Juqin and began explaining everything she could do by herself: peeling fruit, getting dressed, putting together jigsaw puzzles. Everyone cheered, happy for her confidence and pride.
“This is wonderful,” her father said, “but please, let us help you, too!” The brothers agreed; they still wanted to fix her hair, read to her, and help her with games. They all agreed that she could be strong and independent and still let them take care of her sometimes.
That day was filled with celebration. Not only had she returned home, but they also had a cake for her oldest brother’s birthday. With all the songs and cheering and the warm circle of family, Xiang Xiang exclaimed to all of them, “I will remember this day forever.” And then, she started getting very sleepy. Finally, Mama took her to bed for her nighttime cuddles with her favorite blanket, and Xiang Xiang fell asleep in her arms. Juqin thought to herself, “There is no better feeling than this.”
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