By: Pamela A. Pellegrino of Pellegrino’s Italian Kitchen
It started with a small poster asking for adoptive parents for foreign orphans. Even with three boys of their own, they first adopted a young boy from Guatemala who was having seizures. No one wanted him, so Lori and her husband Chris took him into their home. Then they heard about a boy who had dwarfism; nobody wanted him. They said yes. A little Russian gypsy had crippled hands. They couldn’t say no. They went to Russia to bring him home.
Over the next 8 years, more children followed: two Russian girls whose mother had died and whose father couldn’t care for them; three Ethiopian children, one whose parents didn’t want a boy crippled from polio; the daughter of a high Russian official who didn’t want a child with Downs Syndrome; a Russian girl missing limbs and fingers; and a Russian boy, missing an ear. She loved all of them dearly.
5 years later, Lori was diagnosed with cancer, and for four years, she bravely fought the disease. Through it all, she loved her children, lived to see three sons graduate from college, homeschooled the rest, and taught them how to live without her. Then, in 2009, she succumbed to the cancer. Lori was my best friend, and I miss her greatly.
Today, her husband Chris is struggling with a home-based business, sending the two oldest girls to college, and taking care of the rest as best he can. But this time of year, funds come up short.
For several years we have sponsored this family for Christmas. We hang ornaments on a tree inscribed with items they would like for Christmas, and many of our wonderful customers take the ornaments and bring back gifts for the children. Then, shortly after Christmas, we invite them to our home for a big family dinner and give them the gifts.
It has been a tough year for everyone, and many of the ornaments are still on the tree. We would be grateful if you could help make this Christmas complete for them by taking one of the ornaments. Or if you could donate a little money instead, we will purchase what is still needed for them. Just as Lori and Chris gave of themselves to give these children a loving home, maybe we can give just a little of ourselves to provide them a good Christmas in return. Thank you for your generosity
