I’m sharing a powerful article by Melissa Fay Greene (author of No Biking in the House Without a Helmet and There is No Me Without You) that follows up with adults who grew up in the Romanian orphanage system. The article’s title is descriptive: “Thirty years ago, Romanian Orphanages Deprived Thousands of Babies of Human Contact. Here’s what’s become of them.”

The essay discusses a subject many in our community know first-hand. That early deprivation and neglect can damage babies and children, and the effects are felt over a person’s lifetime.

A quick summary: Izidor Ruckel had been abandoned as an infant and grew up in a Romanian orphanage. At 11, he was adopted by Marlys and Danny in San Diego. From the article: “Marlys and Danny had hoped to expand the family fun and happiness by bringing in another child. But the newest family member almost never laughed. He didn’t like to be touched. He was vigilant, hurt, proud. ‘By about 14, he was angry about everything,’ [said Marlys].”

Previous articles have been written Romanian orphanages, attachment theory, and the young man Izidor. This one stands out because it provides context and backstory to outcomes that result from unrelentingly harsh treatment of a most vulnerable population.

Link to Izidor Ruckel’s website here.