Shayson Charles Savage

An Amazing Experience
By the parents of Shayson Charles Savage

After what seemed an eternity of waiting (but was only 20 months from when we were matched with him), we made our second trip to Haiti on April 3, 2008, to bring our son, Shayson Charles Savage, home. Upon arriving in Haiti we headed directly for the Crèche. Having traveled to visit Shayson in October 2007, we had seen Haiti before but we doubt that we could really ever get used to the deprivation of this impoverished country. As we had been to Haiti before, we were deeply touched by the strength of the human spirit will be found in the Haitian people. Our hope is that we can somehow help Shayson maintain the strength of his heritage. We spent a day at the Crèche before leaving for home. Based on both our time at the Crèche and from the development of Shayson since coming home, it is clear that amazing things are accomplished at the Crèche.
We also had the unique experience of meeting Shayson’s biological mother, father, younger sister and grandmother. They had asked to meet us and so we visited with them for about 90 minutes before heading to the airport. Given the many ups and downs of the adoption process, the request to meet with Shayson’s biological family presented some concerns but was ultimately a great experience. We were able to learn about his family and we will be able to share some information with him as he grows curious about them when he is older. (At this point Shayson wants nothing to do with Haiti and we occasionally assure him that he does not have to go back.) We were also able to thank Shayson’s family for their willingness to share him with us and allow him to have a life that was otherwise unavailable to him.
The plane ride provided some interesting moments as Shayson experienced firsts – things like putting an ice cube in his mouth, drinking through a straw, and using airplane lavatories. Clearing immigration took what seemed to be another eternity (can anyone explain why there are never enough clerks in government offices) but as we walked out of the airport in Miami, we knew Shayson was finally home. The next day, April 15th, we were greeted by cold weather and Shayson’s five brothers and sisters, his grandparents, and one of Gregg’s law partners who speaks Haitian Creole. It has been a whirlwind ever since.
Watching Shayson acclimate and adapt to his new surroundings has been an amazing experience. He is constantly on the go as he seeks to experience his new world. His English has developed quickly, thanks to the foundation provided by the staff at the Crèche, and he wins people over quickly with his charming personality. He both annoys and idolizes his older siblings, just as a younger brother should. Watching the developing relationship between Shayson and his sister who is just 8 months older has been interesting. We now have some sense of what it is like to have twins, but they seem to be good for each other. Having shared most of his life with 60 or so other children, we think Shayson would go stir crazy in a home without brothers and sisters.
Shayson attends an ESL preschool and church every week. Now that summer has finally found its way to Utah, he is constantly outside playing with the neighborhood kids. He rides his scooter and bike as though he had been born on them. He seems to have no fear and has learned to do flips on the trampoline and has taken to swimming like a fish. We are sure there will be more challenges, but we know Shayson is truly home and a part of our forever family.

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