Tuesday, March 24, 2009

A Sad Day

We received this email yesterday from our first agency, CCAI.

Dear CCAI families:

It is with a heavy heart that CCAI must inform you that our beloved Michael Wei Zixiong, CCAI Guangxi In-China Representative, has passed away. He was hospitalized suddenly on Friday, March 20, and he passed away early Monday morning, March 23, of an acute cerebral hemorrhage.

Michael joined CCAI in 2000 and was honored to have served hundreds of CCAI families as they journeyed to meet their children in Guangxi, Yunnan, and Guizhou. He loved his responsibilities as a CCAI rep and was always touched by adoptive families who came to China from such a long way to bring an abandoned Chinese baby into their loving homes. Michael said, “I consider CCAI adoptive families my heroes.”

CCAI has established the Michael Wei Memorial Fund to support his family and in particular, Michael’s eight-year-old son. Should you wish to contribute to this fund, please indicate on your donation the “Michael Wei Memorial Fund.”

We grieve along with you at the untimely loss of our friend Michael. A dedicated adoption professional and loving father, he will be deeply missed.

In sadness,

Chinese Children Adoption International


Michael was our guide in China when we adopted Chloe, but he was so much more than that. Michael knew all about these babies and was a tremendous resource in helping us first-time parents learn how to care for a child. He taught us Chinese lullabies, played with our cranky babies, and made our adoption experience memorable and special. Chloe had a real tough time those first few days with us, but Michael helped tremendously in easing her anxiety. He was younger than we are and his brief connection to our lives will not be forgotten.

7 comments:

Rachel said...

How sad! I totally feel for you. We had a wonderful guide, so I understand how important Michael must have been in your adoption experience and the strong feelings you felt for him.

I am so sorry.

Unknown said...

Oh, Lori I'm so sorry to hear about this. I know other families who used CCAI and are mourning his loss. Your guide play such an important role in your adoption experience and helps you create memories for a lifetime in such an important time in your life.

mommy24treasures said...

I am so sorry to hear this as well, a terrible loss. My sympathies are with you and all who he touched.
Love
C

Anonymous said...

We had Michael in Group 492. He was a great Guy.

Cyndi said...

I am so sorry for your loss...but even more sorry for the families that now won't have this wonderful man as a solid memory during those blurry first few days with their new child. Sounds like he was more of a hero...

Laura and Erik said...

Michael was a great guide for us, wasn't he? We were shocked and so sad to hear the news. We will keep his family in our prayers.
Laura

bytheriver said...

Yes - Still trying to process this loss. Michael was way more than a guide - he far outshone the others (who were fine). He arranged for the water, medicine, helped us new parents learn what to expect with our new toddler, traded rooms with us when ours was full of smoke, shared his own personal history and was so open in addressing our questions about Chinese people, culture and beliefs. He was so devoted to his son and family.