Introduction
In "Finding Chika," bestselling author Mitch Albom takes us on an emotional journey through his unexpected role as a guardian to a young Haitian girl named Chika. This poignant memoir explores the profound impact that Chika had on Mitch and his wife Janice's lives, teaching them valuable lessons about love, family, and the preciousness of time.
Born in Haiti just days before a devastating earthquake, Chika's life was marked by tragedy from the start. Yet, through a series of events, she found her way into the hearts and home of Mitch and Janice Albom. This book chronicles their time together, the challenges they faced, and the immeasurable joy and wisdom that Chika brought into their lives.
Chika's Early Life in Haiti
A Birth Amid Chaos
Medjerda "Chika" Jeune came into the world on January 9, 2010, in a humble two-room cinder-block house in Haiti. Her birth was a normal one, attended by a midwife named Albert. Chika's mother, Reselia, was a strong woman who sold trinkets on the street to make ends meet. She had met Chika's father, Fedner Jeune, and they had eloped before having three daughters, of which Chika was the youngest.
Just three days after Chika's birth, a catastrophic earthquake struck Haiti. As the ground shook violently, the roof of their house was torn off, leaving Chika and her mother exposed to the open sky. The devastation was unimaginable, with hundreds of thousands of lives lost in less than a minute.
Tragedy Strikes Again
In the aftermath of the earthquake, Chika's mother gave birth to a boy but tragically died during childbirth. This left young Chika without a mother, and she was initially taken in by her mother's friend, Herzulia. However, concerns about her well-being led to Chika being placed in an orphanage in Port-au-Prince.
Mitch Albom's Journey to Haiti
A Call to Action
The earthquake that changed Chika's life also set in motion a series of events that would bring Mitch Albom to Haiti. After hearing about the devastation from a local pastor on his radio show, Mitch felt compelled to visit Haiti and offer whatever help he could.
Arrival in a Devastated Land
When Mitch arrived in Port-au-Prince, he was shocked by the scale of destruction. The once-bustling city was now a landscape of rubble and despair. Amid this chaos, he found the orphanage miraculously intact but overwhelmed with survivors seeking shelter and aid.
Taking Charge of the Orphanage
Moved by the plight of the children, Mitch didn't just offer temporary assistance. He took on the responsibility of running the orphanage, helping to improve facilities and provide a better environment for the children. It was here that he first encountered the spirited little girl named Chika.
Chika's Health Crisis
Signs of Trouble
As Mitch grew fond of the bossy and charismatic Chika, he received alarming news from the orphanage. Chika was showing worrying symptoms – her face was drooping, and she was walking with a limp. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Mitch arranged for her to see a neurologist in Haiti.
A Dire Diagnosis
The MRI scan revealed a mass on Chika's brain, a condition that couldn't be treated in Haiti's limited medical facilities. Without hesitation, Mitch decided to bring Chika to the United States for treatment, where she would live with him and his wife Janice.
The Battle Begins
In the U.S., further scans at Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor confirmed a brain tumor. Chika underwent brain surgery, which was only partially successful. The devastating news followed: Chika had a Grade 4 cancer with a zero percent long-term survival rate.
Life Lessons from Chika
The Gift of Time
As Chika settled into life with Mitch and Janice, she began to teach them valuable lessons about time and perspective. Used to their routines and fast-paced lives, Mitch and Janice found themselves slowing down to match Chika's pace.
Chika took her time with everything – eating breakfast, choosing clothes, observing the world around her. This deliberate pace forced Mitch and Janice to reevaluate their own relationship with time. They learned to appreciate the small moments and find joy in simply being present.
Seeing the World Anew
Through Chika's eyes, Mitch began to rediscover the wonder in everyday things. A trip to Disneyland highlighted this beautifully. While surrounded by grand attractions, Chika was most excited by a simple duck in a pond. This moment made Mitch realize how much he had overlooked in his adult life.
Chika's constant requests to "Look!" at various things rekindled Mitch's sense of curiosity and appreciation for the world around him. He started noticing details he had long ignored – baby ducks, frogs in weeds, leaves dancing in the wind. Chika's perspective helped Mitch see the world as a place full of everyday miracles.
The Meaning of Fatherhood
Caring for Chika gave Mitch insight into what it meant to be a father, something he had missed out on earlier in life. He recalled his own father's protective presence and how he had been a source of safety and stability. Now, Mitch found himself in a similar role for Chika.
The weight of responsibility he felt when making medical decisions for Chika or when she simply held his hand while walking emphasized the selflessness and love that comes with parenthood. These experiences helped Mitch understand the depth of a parent's love and commitment.
Chika's Impact on Family Dynamics
Redefining Family
Chika's presence in Mitch and Janice's lives challenged traditional notions of family. Despite the lack of biological ties, Chika developed a deep sense of belonging with them. This was evident in small moments, like when Chika, half-asleep, mirrored Mitch's expression of love.
Meeting Chika's Biological Father
During a visit to Haiti, Mitch arranged for Chika to meet her biological father, Fedner Jeune. This encounter stirred complex emotions in Mitch. He felt a mix of protectiveness towards Chika and uncertainty about his role in her life.
The meeting highlighted the differences between biological ties and the bonds formed through love and care. Fedner's apparent detachment contrasted sharply with the deep connection Mitch and Janice had formed with Chika. This experience reinforced for Mitch that family is defined more by love and commitment than by blood relations.
The Fight Against Cancer
Desperate Measures
As Chika's condition worsened, Mitch and Janice intensified their efforts to find a cure. They scoured the internet for alternative treatments, eventually finding a potential option in Cologne, Germany. This led to a journey across the Atlantic, filled with hope and desperation.
Cherishing Every Moment
Despite Chika's declining health, their time in Cologne held precious memories. Mitch recalls pushing Chika in her wheelchair through the historic city, marveling at her wonder at new sights like the Cathedral of Saint Peter. These moments highlighted the unexpected joy that had come into their lives through Chika, even in the face of her illness.
The Final Chapter
Chika's battle with cancer came to an end on April 7, 2017. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of Mitch and Janice. In her final moments, they shared memories of happier times, a testament to the joy she had brought into their lives.
Reflections on Love and Loss
The Transformative Power of Love
Chika's story is a powerful reminder of how love can transcend boundaries and transform lives. Despite the tragedy of her illness, the love between Chika, Mitch, and Janice created a family bond that defied conventional definitions.
Lessons in Grief and Gratitude
While the loss of Chika was devastating, Mitch and Janice found themselves grateful for the time they had with her. Their grief was tempered by the knowledge that Chika had enriched their lives in ways they never could have imagined.
The Lasting Impact of a Short Life
Though Chika's life was brief, her impact was profound. She taught Mitch and Janice to see the world with fresh eyes, to appreciate the small moments, and to open their hearts to unexpected love. Her legacy lives on in the lessons she imparted and the lives she touched.
Mitch's Journey to Haiti
Mitch Albom's involvement with Haiti and the orphanage that would eventually bring Chika into his life began in the wake of the devastating 2010 earthquake. As a successful author and radio host in Detroit, Mitch was moved by the stories of destruction and suffering coming out of Haiti. When he hosted Pastor John Hearn Jr. on his radio show, who expressed concern about an orphanage in Port-au-Prince, Mitch felt compelled to act.
Arrival in a Devastated Land
Mitch's first impression of Haiti after the earthquake was one of stunned silence and overwhelming destruction. The contrast between the snowy Michigan he left behind and the sun-baked, rubble-strewn streets of Port-au-Prince was stark. Everywhere he looked, he saw collapsed buildings, crushed vehicles, and people living in makeshift shelters, afraid to be under any standing structure.
The orphanage that Pastor Hearn was concerned about had miraculously survived the earthquake, but it was overwhelmed with survivors seeking shelter and aid. When Mitch arrived with supplies, he was mobbed by desperate people, a scene that left a lasting impression on him.
A Moment of Connection
Amidst the chaos and desperation, Mitch experienced a profound moment of connection. As he stood, overwhelmed by the scene around him, he felt two small hands slip into his. Looking down, he saw a little boy and girl smiling up at him. This simple gesture of trust and hope in such dire circumstances touched Mitch deeply and made him realize that he couldn't just walk away from this situation.
Taking Action
Moved by what he had seen, Mitch decided to take a more active role in helping the orphanage. He assisted in building showers, toilets, a kitchen, a dining room, and a laundry area. He helped paint the walls with bright colors to bring some cheer to the children's lives. Eventually, feeling a strong sense of responsibility, he asked Pastor Hearn if he could take over running the orphanage.
This decision would change the course of Mitch's life, leading him to become more deeply involved in the lives of the Haitian children and eventually bringing Chika into his world.
Chika's Journey to the United States
When Chika's health problems became apparent, Mitch's involvement in her life took on a new dimension. The discovery of her brain tumor in Haiti, where advanced medical care was unavailable, led to a quick decision to bring her to the United States for treatment.
A New World
Chika's first night in the United States was a revelation for both her and for Mitch and Janice. Everything was new to Chika – from hot running water to traffic lights and televisions in every room. This stark contrast to her life in Haiti highlighted the vast differences in their worlds and the enormous adjustment Chika would have to make.
Medical Challenges
The initial medical assessments in the U.S. confirmed the severity of Chika's condition. The brain tumor was identified, and a difficult decision was made to attempt surgical removal. The partial success of the surgery, leaving some of the tumor behind, was followed by the devastating news of Chika's terminal diagnosis.
Becoming a Family
What was initially thought to be a temporary arrangement for Chika's medical treatment evolved into something much more profound. Mitch and Janice, childless and in their fifties, found themselves thrust into a parental role they had never expected. Chika's presence in their home brought new rhythms, challenges, and joys to their lives.
Life Lessons from Chika
One of the most powerful aspects of Mitch's story is how Chika, despite her young age and illness, became a teacher to Mitch and Janice in many ways.
The Gift of Slowing Down
Chika's natural pace of life – slow, deliberate, and full of wonder – forced Mitch and Janice to reevaluate their own relationship with time. Used to a fast-paced lifestyle, they found themselves adapting to Chika's rhythm. Whether it was taking an hour to eat breakfast or spending long moments choosing an outfit, Chika taught them the value of savoring each moment.
This lesson was particularly poignant given Chika's terminal diagnosis. It reminded Mitch and Janice that time, especially with loved ones, is precious and should be cherished, not rushed through.
Rediscovering Wonder
Through Chika's eyes, Mitch began to see the world anew. Her constant amazement at things adults take for granted – like a duck in a pond at Disneyland – reminded Mitch of the wonder that exists in everyday life. He started noticing details he had long overlooked – the intricacies of nature, the simple joys of play, the beauty in ordinary moments.
This renewed sense of wonder brought a richness to Mitch's life that he had forgotten was possible. It changed his perspective, making him more attentive and appreciative of the world around him.
The Meaning of Fatherhood
Caring for Chika gave Mitch insight into fatherhood, an experience he had missed out on earlier in life. He found himself experiencing the protective instincts, the weight of responsibility, and the unconditional love that comes with being a parent.
Mitch reflected on his own father's role in his life, remembering moments of safety and security. Now, he found himself providing that same sense of security for Chika. Whether it was making medical decisions or simply holding her hand as they walked, Mitch discovered the depth of parental love and commitment.
Challenges and Growth
Caring for Chika wasn't without its challenges, and these difficulties became opportunities for personal growth for Mitch and Janice.
Adapting to New Routines
The couple had to completely reshape their daily lives to accommodate Chika's needs. Their once-predictable routines were replaced with the unpredictability of caring for a child, especially one with serious health issues. This required flexibility, patience, and a willingness to put Chika's needs before their own.
Navigating the Healthcare System
Dealing with Chika's medical condition meant frequent hospital visits, complex treatment decisions, and the emotional toll of watching a child suffer. Mitch and Janice had to quickly educate themselves about Chika's condition and become her advocates in the healthcare system.
Emotional Rollercoaster
The joy of having Chika in their lives was constantly tempered by the knowledge of her terminal diagnosis. Mitch and Janice had to learn to live in the moment, celebrating small victories while preparing for the inevitable loss. This emotional balancing act was challenging but ultimately enriching, teaching them about resilience and the importance of cherishing every moment.
Cultural Bridges
Chika's presence in Mitch and Janice's lives also served as a bridge between cultures. Coming from Haiti, Chika brought with her different perspectives, experiences, and ways of seeing the world.
Language and Communication
As Chika learned English, Mitch and Janice found themselves learning bits of Creole. This exchange of language became a symbol of their growing connection and the merging of their worlds. It also highlighted the universal language of love that transcended any verbal barriers.
Expanding Worldviews
Through Chika, Mitch and Janice gained a deeper understanding of Haiti – its challenges, its resilience, and its spirit. This firsthand connection to another culture broadened their perspectives and increased their empathy for the struggles faced by people in different parts of the world.
Challenging Assumptions
Chika's presence in their lives challenged many of Mitch and Janice's assumptions about family, culture, and what it means to belong. They learned that love and connection can flourish across racial, cultural, and national boundaries.
The Fight Against Cancer
As Chika's condition worsened, Mitch and Janice's determination to find a cure intensified. This part of their journey was marked by hope, desperation, and a refusal to give up.
Exploring All Options
Mitch and Janice left no stone unturned in their search for treatments. They researched extensively, consulted numerous specialists, and even traveled internationally for potential cures. This relentless pursuit demonstrated the depths of their love for Chika and their commitment to giving her every possible chance at life.
The Trip to Germany
The journey to Cologne, Germany, for an experimental treatment was a pivotal moment in their fight against Chika's cancer. Despite the challenges of traveling with a sick child, Mitch and Janice found beauty and moments of joy in this experience. Watching Chika's wonder at new sights and experiences, even as her health declined, reinforced the preciousness of their time together.
Balancing Hope and Reality
Throughout Chika's treatment, Mitch and Janice had to balance their hope for a cure with the reality of her terminal diagnosis. This delicate balance taught them about living in the present while preparing for an uncertain future. It was a lesson in finding joy and meaning in each day, regardless of what tomorrow might bring.
Reflections on Family and Love
Chika's presence in Mitch and Janice's lives challenged and expanded their understanding of family and love.
Redefining Family
Despite the lack of biological ties, Chika became an integral part of Mitch and Janice's family. This experience showed them that family is not solely defined by blood relations but by love, commitment, and shared experiences. Chika's seamless integration into their lives demonstrated the expansive nature of family bonds.
Unconditional Love
Caring for Chika, especially through her illness, taught Mitch and Janice about the depth and strength of unconditional love. They learned to love without expectation of return, to give selflessly, and to find joy in the act of caring for another.
The Power of Presence
One of the most significant lessons Chika imparted was the importance of being present. In a world often focused on the future or dwelling on the past, Chika's ability to live fully in the moment was a powerful reminder of what truly matters in life.
Chika's Legacy
Although Chika's life was tragically short, her impact on Mitch, Janice, and all who knew her was profound and lasting.
Changing Perspectives
Chika's presence changed how Mitch and Janice viewed the world. They learned to see beauty in simplicity, to find joy in small moments, and to appreciate the preciousness of time. These shifts in perspective continued to influence their lives long after Chika's passing.
Inspiring Others
Through Mitch's book, Chika's story has reached and inspired countless others. Her courage, joy, and the love she shared with Mitch and Janice have touched readers around the world, spreading messages of hope, resilience, and the power of love.
Continued Impact on Haiti
Chika's story also brought attention to the needs of children in Haiti. Mitch's continued involvement with the orphanage and his efforts to improve conditions for children in Haiti became part of Chika's lasting legacy.
The Final Days
As Chika's condition deteriorated, Mitch and Janice focused on making her remaining time as comfortable and joyful as possible.
Creating Memories
They worked to create lasting memories, celebrating holidays, taking photos, and cherishing every moment together. These efforts were not just for Chika, but also for themselves, knowing that these memories would sustain them in the difficult times ahead.
The Last Christmas
The final Christmas that Mitch, Janice, and Chika spent together was a bittersweet time. Despite Chika's weakened state, they found moments of joy in the simple act of unwrapping presents and being together as a family. This time encapsulated the essence of their relationship – finding happiness and love even in the face of impending loss.
Saying Goodbye
Chika's passing on April 7, 2017, was a peaceful moment filled with love. Mitch and Janice were by her side, expressing their love and sharing memories of happier times. This final act of being present for Chika, of surrounding her with love until the very end, was a powerful testament to the bond they had formed.
Lessons in Grief and Gratitude
In the aftermath of Chika's passing, Mitch and Janice navigated the complex emotions of grief while also finding reasons for gratitude.
Processing Loss
The loss of Chika was devastating, but Mitch and Janice found that their grief was intertwined with a deep sense of gratitude for the time they had with her. They learned that it's possible to mourn deeply while also celebrating the joy that a loved one brought into their lives.
Finding Meaning in Loss
Through writing about their experiences with Chika, Mitch found a way to process his grief and to keep Chika's memory alive. This act of sharing their story became a form of healing and a way to extend Chika's impact to others.
Continued Connection
Mitch and Janice found ways to maintain a connection with Chika even after her passing. Whether through their continued work with the orphanage in Haiti or through the ways they had changed as people because of her, Chika's presence continued to be felt in their lives.
The Transformative Power of Love
Ultimately, "Finding Chika" is a testament to the transformative power of love. Through their unexpected journey with Chika, Mitch and Janice experienced profound personal growth and a deepening of their capacity for love and compassion.
Opening Hearts
Chika's presence in their lives opened Mitch and Janice's hearts in ways they never expected. They learned to love more freely, to give more generously, and to find joy in the act of caring for another.
Breaking Down Barriers
The love they shared with Chika transcended boundaries of culture, nationality, and biology. This experience showed them that love has the power to create family and connection in the most unexpected places.
A Lasting Impact
Though Chika's life was brief, the impact of her love continues to ripple outward. Through Mitch's writing and their continued work in Haiti, Chika's story continues to touch lives and inspire others to open their hearts to love and compassion.
Conclusion
"Finding Chika" is more than just a memoir of a little girl's battle with cancer. It's a profound exploration of love, family, and the human capacity for growth and resilience in the face of adversity. Through Chika, Mitch Albom learned to see the world with new eyes, to appreciate the preciousness of time, and to understand the true meaning of family.
Chika's story reminds us that love knows no boundaries – not of blood, not of culture, not even of life and death. Her brief but impactful life teaches us to cherish every moment, to find wonder in the everyday, and to open our hearts to unexpected connections.
In the end, "Finding Chika" is a celebration of life in all its complexity. It's a story that encourages us to embrace the joys and sorrows that come with loving deeply, to find meaning in our struggles, and to recognize the profound impact that even the shortest of lives can have on the world.
Mitch Albom's journey with Chika serves as a powerful reminder that family is not defined by biology but by love, that our capacity for growth and change is limitless, and that in opening our hearts to others, we often receive far more than we give. It's a testament to the enduring power of love to transform lives and create lasting legacies, even in the face of loss.