"Adoption is a beautiful process; it is worth it being able to see a child grow and become an individual that you help form"
Little Soldier’s Beginnings
A fine young man from the US Army visited CCS on January 26, 2023, and to everyone’s amazement, he proudly disclosed that he had been an orphan in the agency. Two-year-old Luke was adopted by Mueller family in the United States. He was admitted to CCS on May 04, 1999, after being referred by Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital. “My memories in CCS are vague, [I remember] going to the mall riding automobiles shape like animals.” He also had a vague recollection of playing with his buddies, Ron and Bryan, also adopted from CCS in the indoor playroom that is now the CCS living area. They continue to keep in touch even now.
Luke’s time in CCS was vividly recalled by one of CCS loyal employees and resident nurse, Ms. Mary Jean Benavides. “He was so healthy when he was a baby, rarely got sick, a good and obedient little boy… however, he always cries every 5:30 in the afternoon wanting to watch his favorite TV series.” She also added that his best buddies in CCS were Ronnie and Bryan. When she was asked about what she feels, seeing Luke again, she emphasized that she is delighted to see how Luke grew up from a crying baby to a fine young man, “I feel fulfilled as his nurse, mission complete to me as his first captain… his first mother.”
Soldier’s Home
When asked about his adoptive family, “I have two amazing, loving parents who gave me pretty much everything in life and maybe created the person I am today… I think I am living life to the fullest.” Luke also has a sister who was adopted in an orphanage in Cebu City. He shared that while his father adores his sister, his mother adores him. “We butt heads sometimes, but that’s just how a family is; other than that, my parents have always gotten along, and they love each other.” Luke’s fondest memories of growing up with his family are those moments they travel to discover the world. “I love you guys, thank you for everything, I appreciate all of you, without you, I would not have the life that I am able to live, which is something I could not comprehend. You deserve the world, the moon, and all the planets in the universe. I wish you the best and prosperous life, I love you guys.” Luke’s message to his family.
Soldier’s Gratitude to his Roots
Luke openly shared how anxious he was in his plan to visit CCS. “it took me a lot about stopping by here, emotionally wise and mentally, but I’ve always thought about what would I say to the person who took me and care for me.” Like all the Concordia children who returned in the past, Luke’s overflowing appreciation warms the hearts of everyone at CCS, especially those who took care of him as a young boy.
Luke, after learning about the positive impact of legal adoption on both the adoptive family and the child, is considering adoption if he ever decides to become a parent. “it’s going to be a journey because that child is going to have baggage that he needs help to overcome like me and my sister, but it is worth… keep on going and just keep on pushing, It will be bright and shiny after that.” Luke proudly expressed.
“Thank you, Concordia, you have possibly saved my life… you were able to give me the life that I am able to live to this day, you were the jumpstart pretty much that gives me the goal in life to be the best that I am” Luke’s message of gratitude to his CCS family, his first home before joining the infantry and moved off to the great sunrise, believing the beauty of becoming and optimistic about the possibilities of tomorrow.
