Sydney Shalini Lewis

Fourteen years ago, I called PALNA home, and my name was Shubra. I was dropped off at PALNA on October 15, 2005, which became my birthday.  On June 6, 2006, I was adopted by my parents. They gifted me the name Sydney Shalini Lewis, but everybody calls me Shalini.  My mom is Naila Mathis Lewis who is half-Indian and was raised in Arkansas, USA. My dad is Peter Lewis who is from Indiana, USA. I am currently living in California as a 16-year-old. I attend the local high school as a tenth grader and my interests include tennis, skiing, and travelling. Every year I fly home to India and visit my Godmother, Shalini Bhupal, who facilitated my adoption.

After my parents got married my mom had talked about adopting a child from India, because of her Indian heritage. The road was not easy for my parents to adopt me. It took them two years even with help from lawyers, my Godmother and Mr. DK Beri, may he rest in peace. When my parents were first trying to adopt, it was very difficult because there were tensions between America and India due to a recent bombing. My parents persevered with the help of Shalini Bhupal, my namesake and Auntie, and Mr. Beri. My parents were able to secure a meeting with the director of PALNA.

After meeting my parents, it was evident that I was going to be their daughter. They loved me at first sight. My parents told me that when they first saw me, I was wearing a Snoopy hat and Spoopy was my mom’s favourite character growing up. The doctor in India said to my parents, “You need to know, she chose you.  Many other Indian parents wanted her, but she rejected them and was not easy to handle until you two came along. So just remember, she knows what she wants at this young age already. You have a very bright child.” My parents say it was a lengthy process but after two years and a lot of determination, they were finally able to fly me to my forever home in Santa Barbara, California.

The first day I arrived in America, I met my guardian angel. I had fallen asleep while my parents were unloading the luggage. I was woken by a wet slobbery nose and was kissed by a 125-pound field Labrador named Montana. Montana was my protector, my friend, and my angel. It was a slow transition to acclimatise to the lifestyle of my new home, but Montana was always leading the way. I didn’t have to communicate with him using words, we had our own language. After two years I finally adapted to the American lifestyle and language. The first time I comprehended English was when I was driving with my mom to Montessori school, and I shouted the word “BUS”. In India, ‘bus’ means stop, so my mom had stopped the car only to realize that I was pointing to an American yellow school bus. My fluency in Hindi was fading as I mastered the English language. 

Although my memories of my time at PALNA aren’t clear, I know I was well cared for. You made sure that I was well fed, potty-trained, and loved. You always had a person assigned to me, my ayah in lavender clothing, as my parents have told me. I was never alone, even when I was sleeping. One memory that I do have was how cared for I was by the doctor. Every visit, he would give me a roti and carry me everywhere. Because of the care I received, I realise how important it is to care for all people in need. I have a special place in my heart for those who feel like they don’t belong, such as migrants, stray animals, and displaced children. I have recently worked with a non-profit organization called Storyteller, a local organization that provides education and support to homeless children. I read to them, teach them proper spelling, and make them feel appreciated. 

As I approach my 17th year, I have become more curious about my Indian heritage, and I feel the need to give back to the home that gave me a second chance. One idea I would like to implement is connecting to boys and girls who are now in there. Either through zoom, WhatsApp, or even letter writing. I would like to mentor some of the children just as I was mentored when I came to the USA. I can use my skills of reading, writing, or learning English as my second language. Another idea I had was using my resources in the United States, to create a fund or to collect items of need such as clothing, medical, educational materials or help with a specialized music teaching. Also, since the crisis in India due to the Covid Pandemic, maybe you are in need of PPE supplies. I am willing to help in any way that you see fit.

God bless.

Sydney Shalini Lewis