Talvikki Saarinen, 26, was abandoned as a baby on the streets of Fuzhou, China, and now lives in Finland where she often reflects on her mysterious early life.
Talvikki Saarinen, now 26 years old, has lived a life marked by uncertainty regarding her early years. Found on the streets of Fuzhou, China, when she was just about two weeks old, Talvikki’s origins are shrouded in mystery. Even details like her exact birth date remain unclear, as the only solid reference point is a rough estimate based on a piece of her umbilical cord. This story of abandonment raises questions not just about her past but also about the circumstances leading to her being left alone as an infant.
When Talvikki’s adoptive parents brought her to Finland at nine months old, the only information they received about her condition was vague and unverified. People involved in her discovery provided no documentation or clear narrative other than the fact that she was abandoned. The absence of a note or an identity tag has added to the intrigue surrounding her story. As a result, Talvikki sometimes grapples with the questions of identity and belonging, feeling the weight of unresolved details from her past.
Now living in Finland, Talvikki's story resonates with many who are interested in adoption and the complexities that accompany it. Regularly confronted with inquiries about her early life, she seeks to understand not just her own abandoned beginnings, but also the contexts of her adoption in both the Finnish and Chinese cultural landscapes. Her journey is not just a personal narrative but a window into broader discussions about adoption, identity, and the often-hidden challenges faced by those with similar backstories.
