wow. i took this picture this day last year. my first tattoo. it’s the date i was adopted. i was adopted from russia when i was 13 months old. i was given to an orphanage as a new born as my left side was completely paralysed when i was born.

my adoptive parents have spent years getting me physio therapy to help get my arm working 100%. sadly my left leg fell behind and grew at a slower rate to my right. when i was 9 i went through a leg lengthening operation. it was the most difficult thing to ever go through.

i wore a titanium frame on my leg for 10 months and 7 days before my 11th birthday i was able to get it removed. my parents have worked so hard for me and i am forever grateful for the love, tears, and hard work they put into me and for me to be my best self.

being able to look at my wrist and see the date my life changed from being the worst it could possibly be to being loved and embraced makes me realize how fortunate i am to have been given a second chance. i have the most amazing mother, father and baby brother. i love my family