I remember my mother telling me the story of how she came up with my new name. With great tenderness and a sense of newfound belonging, Marie and Herman embarked on a journey of renaming their cherished child. Legalities dictated that the baby could not retain her given name or any part of it. Thus, the thoughtful couple lovingly chose the name Lana Wynn Scroggins.
In a beautiful twist of fate, Marie, a devout Baptist Christian with limited exposure to the world of movies, found herself drawn to the name Lana, inspired by the luminous presence of a popular film star of that time, Lana Turner. It was a name that resonated deeply with them, encapsulating their adoration and admiration for their precious child.
Because of my skin color my mother told me she thought that I might have had Native American origins. She also said that I was an endearing and gentle child, causing little trouble and radiating sweetness wherever I went. Mom’s affection for me was boundless, evident in her ceaseless desire to capture every precious moment through photographs.
Adorned in brand new baby clothes, Mom would meticulously arrange me in front of mirrors, on blankets resembling prayer mats, or at tiny tables set for make-believe tea parties, preserving these cherished moments through the lens of her camera.
Mom and Dad’s hearts overflowed with gratitude towards God for the incredible gift they had received when they adopted me. They made it a point to consistently remind me of the profound love and gratitude they felt towards God, emphasizing that I was not only cherished but also specially chosen and blessed to be a part of their family.
As I grew and blossomed, I found myself surrounded in the warm embrace of the most nurturing and dedicated parents one could ever hope for. Their love knew no bounds, and their devotion to me was unwavering. My parents wanted me to feel truly special, as they wholeheartedly believed that I was a remarkable blessing in their lives.