Case workers say she's a feral child because she had never had any stimulation or socialization up to that point. Doctors say she was born with a normal brain, and because of her situation now has developed a form of autism. Her muscles had atrophied so badly it makes normal movements next to impossible. She's still is unable to speak, and is learning how to react to touch.
She was recently adopted by this amazing family, after the dad saw a picture of her. He has 5 biological sons and had always wanted a girl. He even had a dream which God told him that was his daughter. And after watching them interact, she's definitely daddy's little girl.
ugh. this is heartbreaking m.
ReplyDeletei'm really glad you are doing the story and look forward to seeing it develop.
really wonderful photo.
love this picture - and love how you keep her dignity intact. great job m
ReplyDeleteunbelievable.
ReplyDeleteThis is an exquisite photo. The limp, almost lifeless body juxtaposed with the effort of the hug wrenches the heart.
ReplyDeletethis story breaks my heart - you are so very lucky to be witness to this bumpy start to really, a new life. i'm curious, how is she with you being around and the camera?
ReplyDeletethanks for all the comments. i really appreciate them, as well as the opportunity to tell Dani's story.
ReplyDeletecalla - to answer your question, she's totally fine with the camera. at this point in her development, she really is in a world of her own. i think it's fair to say that she's totally unaffected by my being there, and could care less about the camera. the first time we went to her house, i think she was nervous, because the writer and i went with two case workers, who introduced us. the only time she smiled was when we were leaving, and i think that's largely in part because she was scared that we were coming to take her from this family that she now loves. on the second visit, she was much more relaxed, and still, totally uninhibited. if only all my subjects were like that. =)
Never going to forget this image. Can't wait to see more from this amazing story.
ReplyDeletehey rebekah--
ReplyDeletethanks.
and i'll keep you posted on here with updates and the final story once it's published.
i;m curious about a couple of things..
ReplyDeletehow long will you work on a story like this?
how does one obtain a story like this?
i thought maybe you self-assigned yourself but
then you said case workers introduced you.
fascinating story.
glad i popped in today.
iamkatia@gmail.com
Awesome photo M.
ReplyDeleteI have 2 small children at home and stories like this smack me in the face to look and share. I have tears in my eyes. Keep up the great work and let us know when we can see more.