On Wednesday morning, Jay received the below email from Amy’s coworker, Elise Lechner.
Amy/Jay-
I was so happy to be there last night. I was thinking about it this morning and so I wrote the attached letter to Chase. I hope all is going well.
Love,
Elise
A Letter to Chase Il Wu Gardocki
I have known your mom and dad for 6 years. I have worked closely with your mom and have seen her ups and downs as she tried for the family that she wanted so badly. Your mom and dad were so excited when they found that they were to adopt from Korea and we all shared in every milestone including your first picture and your birth date, the updated letters and the date that you would finally arrive in America. Your mom and dad prepared and by the time you arrived they had everything ready including all the toys you could ever want, all the clothes you would need for the first couple years, books, food- your room was ready, the diaper bag packed and anticipation and excitement filled the office. The excitement that your mom and dad had was contagious and we were all so excited for your arrival. I always told your mom, and I was not kidding, that you were the most wanted child I had ever seen as you were the only thing your mom and dad could think about and I know that your mom would trade anything in the world to be a family with you and your dad.
The day you were to arrive 10/26/10, your mom came to work and actually worked very hard that day - I think to make the time go faster as you were not to arrive until 10:30 pm. .At the end of the day, your mom strangely decorated the office for Christmas, even though it was October. Personally, I think that was a subliminal message as your mom had looked forward to your first Christmas for a very long time.
Your mom invited her close family and friends to the airport to wait for your arrival, some of us at work decided to tag along as we too were so excited and had anticipated this day for so long. We all gathered at the airport, which was strangely quiet to await your flight. There were signs, friends, and family as everyone waited nervously. As the plane landed I heard your dad say “I think I am going to lose it” as tears rolled down his face. Your mom and dad stood embraced as they watched as passengers walked off the plane. As you were being walked down the tunnel, your mom and dad saw you and your mom gave a shudder of joy and both started to cry. You were finally here and their wait for you was over. Your mom took you into her arms and she was the most natural mom. There was no awkwardness that usually appears when one holds a baby for the first time. Your mom gave you to your dad while she went to talk to the woman who escorted you and you immediately went into your dads arms, laid your head on his shoulder and fell asleep in a way that only one who knows he is home and safe could do. I will always remember the look on your dads face as he held you.
Your dad called everyone over to gather in prayer and as your dad held you and you slept on his front shoulder and your mom laid her head on his back shoulder and held your hand, you could tell that you were at once family and were all together as you were meant to be. I wish there was someway to box that moment and the feeling in the room. As I looked up I saw an airport worker standing in the circle, drawn in I suppose by the love that was filling the area. Chase it was a very special moment and I know that everyone there will always remember the moment. I wish you a safe, happy and healthy life filled with all the love that I know you will have.
-------Elise Lechner 10/27/10
Amy/Jay-
I was so happy to be there last night. I was thinking about it this morning and so I wrote the attached letter to Chase. I hope all is going well.
Love,
Elise
A Letter to Chase Il Wu Gardocki
I have known your mom and dad for 6 years. I have worked closely with your mom and have seen her ups and downs as she tried for the family that she wanted so badly. Your mom and dad were so excited when they found that they were to adopt from Korea and we all shared in every milestone including your first picture and your birth date, the updated letters and the date that you would finally arrive in America. Your mom and dad prepared and by the time you arrived they had everything ready including all the toys you could ever want, all the clothes you would need for the first couple years, books, food- your room was ready, the diaper bag packed and anticipation and excitement filled the office. The excitement that your mom and dad had was contagious and we were all so excited for your arrival. I always told your mom, and I was not kidding, that you were the most wanted child I had ever seen as you were the only thing your mom and dad could think about and I know that your mom would trade anything in the world to be a family with you and your dad.
The day you were to arrive 10/26/10, your mom came to work and actually worked very hard that day - I think to make the time go faster as you were not to arrive until 10:30 pm. .At the end of the day, your mom strangely decorated the office for Christmas, even though it was October. Personally, I think that was a subliminal message as your mom had looked forward to your first Christmas for a very long time.
Your mom invited her close family and friends to the airport to wait for your arrival, some of us at work decided to tag along as we too were so excited and had anticipated this day for so long. We all gathered at the airport, which was strangely quiet to await your flight. There were signs, friends, and family as everyone waited nervously. As the plane landed I heard your dad say “I think I am going to lose it” as tears rolled down his face. Your mom and dad stood embraced as they watched as passengers walked off the plane. As you were being walked down the tunnel, your mom and dad saw you and your mom gave a shudder of joy and both started to cry. You were finally here and their wait for you was over. Your mom took you into her arms and she was the most natural mom. There was no awkwardness that usually appears when one holds a baby for the first time. Your mom gave you to your dad while she went to talk to the woman who escorted you and you immediately went into your dads arms, laid your head on his shoulder and fell asleep in a way that only one who knows he is home and safe could do. I will always remember the look on your dads face as he held you.
Your dad called everyone over to gather in prayer and as your dad held you and you slept on his front shoulder and your mom laid her head on his back shoulder and held your hand, you could tell that you were at once family and were all together as you were meant to be. I wish there was someway to box that moment and the feeling in the room. As I looked up I saw an airport worker standing in the circle, drawn in I suppose by the love that was filling the area. Chase it was a very special moment and I know that everyone there will always remember the moment. I wish you a safe, happy and healthy life filled with all the love that I know you will have.
-------Elise Lechner 10/27/10
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