Michael, Age 15

My name is Michael and I am 15 years old. I was born in Bulgaria in 1993. I was born without a fibula bone and with a deformed tibia bone in my left leg. My left foot was also missing bones. My birth mother and father left me in the care of Dr. Pencova at the Mother and Child Orphanage in Turgovishte after I was born. I was adopted on September 15, 1994 and my parents, 11 days later on the 26th to take me home.

I'm very thankful that Bulgarian children can be adopted again. Adoption has meant a lot to me. Now I belong to a loving family. My dad is a Pediatrician and my mom stays at home with us. At the time of my adoption, I became the 5th child in my family. We are now a family of 14! My mom tells me that they had to seek pre-approval from Bulgaria because they had four children living at home. I don't know what the adoption rules are now, but I personally feel that all children deserve a loving and caring home regardless of the number of people in the family. Adoption has given me a family and a new life.

It has also given me a better chance to be successful. My parents consulted the experts at Shriner's Children's Hospital about what would be best for my deformed leg. It was decided that by amputating my foot at the ankle and wearing prosthesis, I would be able to have full use of my leg. I participate in most school sports. My favorites are football and track. I have a great interest in professional sports. I enjoy learning, period. My favorite subjects in school are history and current events. I am an honor roll student.

My faith in God is an important part of my life. I'm active in my Roman Catholic Church and youth group and go on spiritual retreats once or twice a year. I've even thought about becoming a priest someday, but then I'd also like to raise a family.

I really love and respect my adoptive parents. We have our disagreements, but that's life. I would like to meet my birth family and show them that I'm doing well.  I wish I at least had pictures of them. I often wonder what they look like. We all have a right to meet our birth parents. I personally would thank them for placing me in the orphanage.

I would love to visit Bulgaria someday. I don't remember much because I was 18 months when I left. My parents brought back some Bulgarian history books. The pictures are interesting but I can't read Bulgarian.

Thank you for taking the time to read my heartfelt letter. Be assured that I'm happy and in the best home and family you could hope for.