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1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
CELEBRATE NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH
November is National Adoption Awareness Month, and Adoption.com has created a new website at http://AdoptionMonth.com. This website has ideas on how to celebrate events and even includes a calendar of activities for the month. Visit AdoptionMonth.com to learn the history of this holiday and to share your adoption story.
ADOPTION WEEK IS MOVING TO SATURDAY
To those who, in the hustle and bustle of the week, don't get the opportunity to read through Adoption Week e-Magazine, a date change is coming. As of November 16, Adoption Week e-Magazine will be sent to all subscribers on Saturday. This way, comments, articles, humorous stories, and other adoption-related material can be sent to the editor for the following issue. Thanks for being such a great participating audience!
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES WHILE SUPPORTING OTHERS
AdoptionForums.com has several openings for moderators to come along side others in
our Search and Reunion Forums. Share and encourage others that are currently searching. Help answer reunion questions, too. If you are interested, please contact Sabra@adoption.com.
CALL FOR ADOPTION SCRAPBOOK PAGES
Adoption.com has just launched a site for adoption scrapbooking at
AdoptionScrapbooking.com, and we're looking for good adoption-related scrapbook pages to publish on this site. For more information on submitting
your pages, contact editor@adoptionmedia.com.
WIN ADOPTION PRODUCTS BY SUBMITTING BOOK & PRODUCT REVIEWS
Have you read an adoption book or used another adoption product lately? We
want to know what you think. We will be giving a $250 gift certificate to
AdoptionShop.com, five (5) $50 gift certificates, and fifty (50) other
prizes (t-shirts, CDs, books, etc.) to people who submit product reviews.
Each useable review you send to editor@adoptionmedia.com before December 31, 2003 counts as one entry. During the first few weeks of January, we will
randomly select winners, with one chance to win per review. By submitting
reviews, you give permission for them to be republished on our websites, such as AdoptionShop.com, Adoption Week e-magazine, and other publications. Only one winner per household. See Adoption.com Terms of Service for more terms and conditions of this contest. No purchase necessary. Be sure to include your contact information and mailing address with each entry so we know where to send your prizes to.
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2. NEW ARTICLES
The views expressed by the authors are solely their own, and for which the authors are responsible. These views do not necessarily represent the views of Adoption Week e-Magazine.
The Barber May Know - new article by Jimmy C. Smith
We talked, then I understood everthing. How hard it was without any moral support. She told me of the times and how her parents had her go to an unwed mothers' home. She ran away so she could try to keep our son. She ended up losing him to adoption in Kansas, after a judge had told her that she could have him back when she got her life together, which was the basic story of the time. After that day (even now), it's (hard) to get him out of my head. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=164
Out on Top: The Real Me - new article by Tracey M.
On September 5, 1989, I gave my son up for adoption. I suffered three miscarriages, one of which required surgery, before being able to successfully conceive the child that I am now carrying. I was diagnosed with a gestational form of Systemic Lupus, called Lupus Anticoagulant. Apparently, it was something I was born with. I was informed that my previous successful pregnancy, 13 years ago, was "a miracle". That pregnancy required no additional medical care. I broke down into tears when I heard that. I kept thinking to myself that I would never be able to get pregnant again and the one chance I had, I gave him up. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=165
Just the Mom - new article by Susan M. Ward
As parents of children who were adopted at older ages, we often become very educated about complex issues that our kids face. The topics may be connected to their emotions and behaviors: grief, anxiety, adjustment, attachment, and trauma. Or they may be related to biological disorders: bipolar, learning differences, or autism. Sometimes our children have multiple issues. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=166
No Parent Should Have to Go Through This - new article by Sandy Hellman
The FBI cannot get involved until a warrant is issued. Also, as it was explained to us, the Amber Alert System was not able to be utilized in this case due to the fact that law enforcement determined that this was a "parental abduction" and therefore, our daughter was supposedly not in imminent danger. Obviously, the issues raised in this case have us concerned about our other adopted children and should have all adoptive families concerned about their children. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=167
Finding Your Roots - new article by Henry G.
I have an adopted son, and I would love for him to be able to meet his birth mom and dad and half sister, or any other relatives that he may have. Not that he or we expect anything from them, just the chance to perhaps get to know one another, to tell her what a great gift she gave us by allowing us to be a mom and dad to the son we share. It may ease her burden, assuming she still wonders how he is. We could let her know that although I will never know how hard her decision was, or how that affected her life, by meeting, we may all have a chance to learn and heal. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=168
Read these articles or contribute an article at AdoptionWeek.com.
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3. ADOPTION NEWS
Brother and Sister from India to Make Their Home with the Geisen Family in Frederic (WI)
http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?show=localnews&pnpID=256&NewsID=389305&CategoryID=132&on=0
Temporary Parents, Lasting Friends (Canada)
http://www.canada.com/edmonton/news/story.asp?id={F51A9F61-9204-43A4-8AF3-6F583AFF53B3}
Happier by the Dozen
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://people.aol.com/people/magazine/magazineheroes/0,11369,380406-1,00.html
'New Beginnings' - ...Offers Hope to Women in Trouble and Their Babies (MS)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.djournal.com/djournal/site/articles/news/1321086.htm
Conceiving Solutions (IN)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.indystar.com/article.php?doublebless03.html,living
Book Follows Baby Trail
http://www.topics.com/print/articles/twadopt10.html
If any of the links to the news articles do not work, Click Here for a list of headlines.
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4. ADOPTION BOOK CLUB
I'm Brown and My Sister Isn't
This charming book is written from a child of color's point of view. The book describes differences in children and sibling relationships with simple text and engaging illustrations. Adults and children will be drawn in by the non-judgmental and lighthearted discussion of race and family.
For more information on this book, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/ADP67677.html.
Find 1,000+ other adoption products at AdoptionShop.com.
To share your favorite adoption book with others, join the Adoption Book Club on AdoptionLists.com at http://adoptionlists.com/index.php?action=lists&listname=adoptionbookclub.
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5. ADOPTION BITS & BYTES
MUSIC!
by Pat Johnston of Perspectives Press
Given that November Is Adoption Awareness Month (see PP's Observing Adoption
Awareness Month page for ideas about how to celebrate!), this issue covers a
set of links you might find useful in arranging small or large observances
of AAM--Links to adoption-related music!
A personal favorite of mine is something new from adoption.com. The CD
Adoption: The Songs You Love, Vol.1 is a custom-designed and recorded
collection of popular music with an adoption sensitivity or connection.
Included here are things like Elton John's "(You'll Be) Blessed", "Somewhere
Out There" from An American Tail, Michael Mclean's "From Gods Arms to My
Arms to Yours". "Stephen Curtis Chapman's "When Love Takes You In", Billy
Joel's "Lullaby" and more. Available from Adoption.com's Adoptshop, of
course, it is also available through several adoption retailers and through
Amazon.com.
Not brand new, but also absolutely charming and not well-enough known yet,
is the CD My Forever Family , a collection or original music written and
recorded by Lisa Silver and Wendy Spira. One side of this cassette/CD
features songs for kids, and the other songs for adults. The link above
takes your right to Lisa and Wendy's page, but this is also available from
Celebrate the Child.
Adult-adoptee Beth Leve has created an Adoption Song Index page where she
shares a list of her personal favorites from the popular music world. This
does not include music, nor does it have recordings, not music, but provides
you with lyrics to the songs on this list.
Adoptive-parent Fred Bazzoli has created a similar, yet unique, words-only
page called Shared Blessings: Songs and Poems about Adoption to Touch Your
Heart.
And, FYI, if you are looking for the lyrics to a particular song that you
don't find on the pages listed above, a quick google.com search on "song
lyrics" will bring you to several huge commercial sites that will help you
locate lyrics by title, artist, composer, (though not by topic.)
Adoptive-parent Buddy Stephens is a musician who has written a couple of
songs about his adoption from China and also offers a personalized music
composition service called Your Tune Personalized.
What can you do with all of the above (besides enjoying them with your
family or in your office?) Use them as background music in your November
adoption-fair displays or play one during a presentation you may be giving.
Call radio call-in shows and ask to have some of these played "in
recognition of our town's adoption-touched families" or "in recognition of
our town's waiting children," or "in recognition of our child's birthfamily"
etc.
May I wish you a wonderful and productive Adoption Awareness Month 2002!
Patricia Irwin Johnston, MS
Infertility and Adoption Educator
Perspectives Press, Inc.
For twenty years (1982-2002) The Infertility and Adoption Publisher
PO Box 90318, Indianapolis, IN 46290-0318 USA *phone (317)872-3055
visit our website at http://www.perspectivespress.com
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6. DAVE THOMAS CENTER FOR ADOPTION LAW WEEKLY NEWS SUMMARY
November 5, 2002
"ADOPTIONS BOOMING FOR 'SPECIAL' KIDS; SPECIAL NEEDS ADOPTIONS ARE CHEAPER,
WITH FEWER BUREACRATIC HURDLES" - by Patricia Simms
In Wisconsin, adoptions of children with special needs have dramatically
increased in the last year. The state's Division of Child and Family
Services has completed as many special needs adoptions in the first nine
months of this year as it did in all of 2001. The demand for special needs
children seems to be the result of a number of factors, including less
expensive adoption fees and a significantly shorter waiting period.
Wisconsin State Journal; Sunday, October 27, 2002; SECTION: FRONT; Pg. A1.
http://www.madison.com/archives/read.php?ref=wsj:2002:10:27:35485:FRONT
"FOSTER CARE NEEDS MORE FUNDING, JUDGES SAY; CRITICS DOUBT STATE CAN LIVE UP
TO SETTLEMENT" - by Jamaal Abdul-Alim
Many people fear that Milwaukee County's state-run foster care system will
not be able to live up to the terms of a proposed deal that would settle a
decade-old civil lawsuit accusing the system of letting children languish in
foster care. Christopher Foley, top judge at Milwaukee County Children's
Court, said this fear is not ill-founded. He and his judicial colleagues
believe the settlement agreement cannot be achieved without the commitment
of additional financial resources to the various components of the child
protection system.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel; Wednesday, October 30, 2002; Final Edition;
SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 01B.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/metro/oct02/91808.asp
"CLAY LOOKS TO ADOPT FOSTER CARE; 'WE NEED TO ... START PROTECTING OUR OWN'" - by R. Michael Anderson
Clay County officials are considering a proposal to take over the Florida's
role of foster care provider, or designate a private corporation to do it,
thereby relieving the state's Department of Children and Families of the
responsibility. Although many county commissioners believe children would be
better served by a local foster care provider, most are not willing to put
the burden directly on the county because of the financial and legal risks.
The Florida Times-Union (Jacksonville, FL); Saturday, October 26, 2002;
Community Edition; SECTION: COUNTY LINE; Pg. M-1.
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/102602/nec_10777154.shtml
"FOSTER KIDS SUE DCF OVER SEXUAL ABUSE IN BROWARD HOME"
Two foster children have sued Florida's foster care agency in Broward
County, alleging they were put in a home where they were sexually and
physically abused by other children in the home. Another six foster children
who also lived in the home are expected to file similar civil suits in the
near future. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages.
The Miami Herald; Wednesday, October 30, 2002; SECTION: LOCAL.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miami/news/local/4407257.htm
"POST ADOPTION SERVICES PROJECT SUPPORTS FAMILIES AFTER ADOPTION" - by Meghan
Vogel Fulmer
To help relieve adoptive parents of the extreme challenges they often face
when trying to raise their family, the Post Adoption Services Project, or
PASP, offers a number of support services to families who have adopted
children. The services offered by PASP include monthly parent support
groups, family therapy and resource and referral information. PASP is one of
only three social services programs in California specifically addressing
the issues confronting adoptive families.
Eureka Times-Standard; Sunday, November 3, 2002; SECTION: NEWS.
http://www.times-standard.com/Stories/0,1413,127%7E2896%7E967865,00.html
"COUPLE HONORED FOR ADOPTION EFFORTS" - by Jennifer L. Boen
Herbert and Jane Hunt, a Fort Wayne couple, were recently recognized as
Congressional Angels of Adoption in 2002 by the Congressional Coalition on
Adoption Institute for making a difference in the lives of children through
adoption. Over the last 15 years, the Hunts have cared for 40 foster
children. They also adopted eight of those foster children, in addition to
their four biological children.
The News-Sentinel (Fort Wayne, IN); Friday, November 1, 2002; SECTION: NEWS.
http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/fortwayne/news/local/4421748.htm
Credit: Dave Thomas Center for Adoption Law
Link: http://www.law.capital.edu/adoption
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7. MEET NEW ADOPTIVE PARENTS
Outdated material has been removed. Please visit ParentProfiles.com.
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Adoption is music to our ears...now it can be for you, too.
Adoption.com's new adoption CD, "Adoption...The Songs You Love", is dedicated to everyone who has been touched by adoption in one way or another. ORDER YOUR CD! http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/ADP00022.html
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8. FEATURED WAITING CHILD
Roylee is a very friendly and loving child, who wants to be helpful to others. He requires a lot of love, patience and attention. He is usually a happy child. He is a very active little boy and needs lots of supervision. Roylee can be jealous when attention is paid to others by his teachers or care givers. Roylee has a very mild form of cerebral palsy and has developmental and speech delays. He currently receives speech and physical therapy. Roylee is very bonded with his current foster family and has lived with them for several years. It would be beneficial for Roylee to continue contact with his foster family when a new adoptive family is found to help him make the transition.
AdoptableKids.com is a free community service of Adoption.com featuring more than 1,000 children awaiting loving, permanent homes.
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9. ADOPTION BUZZ
Failed Adoption: - Birth Mom Wants to Take Babies Home Couple Days for Closure
http://www.adoptionforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=85660
Adoptee Support: - I Liked This and Thought You Would
http://www.adoptionforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=85350
Birthfamily Post Relinquishment: Healing, Recovery, and Success: - Seeing Your Child After Placement Question
http://www.adoptionforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=85567
General Adoptive Parent Support: - Trying to Answer Questions About B-Mom
http://www.adoptionforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=85255
If any of the links above do not work, visit Adoption.com for direct links to these discussions.
For more online adoption discussions, visit AdoptionForums.com.
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10. ADOPTION GEM
GOD CHOOSES MOM FOR DISABLED CHILD
Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures, and a couple by habit. This year, nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen?
Somehow I visualize God hovering over Earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he observes, he instructs his angels to make notes in a giant ledger.
"Armstrong, Beth; son; patron saint, Matthew. "Forrest, Marjorie; daughter; patron saint, Cecelia. "Rudledge, Carrie; twins; patron saint.... give her Gerard. He's used to profanity."
Finally, he passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a handicapped child." The angel is curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy." "Exactly," smiles God. "Could I give a handicapped child a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel." "But has she patience?" asks the angel. "I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she'll handle it."
"I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence. She'll have to teach the child to live in her world and that's not going to be easy." "But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in you." God smiles. "No matter. I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness." The angel gasps, "Selfishness? Is that a virtue?" God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, there is a woman I will bless with a child less then perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a `spoken word.' She will never consider a `step' ordinary. When her child says `Momma' for the first time, she will be present at a miracle and know it! When she describes a tree or a sunset to her blind child, she will see it as few people ever see my creations." "I will permit her to see clearly the things I see---ignorance, cruelty, prejudice--- and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as she is here by my side."
"And what about her patron saint?" asks the angel, his pen poised in midair. God smiles. "A mirror will suffice."
God Chooses Mom for Disabled Child
Written by Erma Bombeck
Published in the Today Newspaper
Sept. 4th, 1993
See a daily adoption gem at Adoption.com.
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11. ADOPTION SITE SPOTLIGHT
This week, our adoption spotlight is shining on: AdoptionFun.com.
If you want to have fun, be entertained, or learn, visit AdoptionFun.com. Find links to all the fun resources provided by the Adoption.com community.
For a list of our favorite adoption websites, visit AdoptionSites.com.
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12. ADOPTION DESTINATIONS
InternationalAdoption.org is the internet's authoritative destination for international adoption. You will find fact sheets, adoption information, travel information, culture and heritage, maps, weather, books, currency exchange rates, periodicals, news and much more for dozens of different countries with active international adoption programs.
This week, the country of focus is Georgia.
Georgia is located in Southwestern Asia, bordering the Black Sea, between Turkey and Russia, and is slightly smaller than South Carolina. The languages spoken in Georgia are: Georgian 71% (official), Russian 9%, Armenian 7%, Azeri 6%, other 7%. Georgia gained its independence from the Soviet Union on April 9, 1991.
To learn more about Georgia's government, geography, and communication information, or its history, visit Georgia.Adoption.com/.
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13. JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT
PUT A CHECK MARK NEXT TO IT
While my husband's Navy Reserve Unit is activated for a short while, I often
have to pick up my 4-year-old son from pre-school and bring him back to the
office while I finish my day's work. I usually find something quiet he can
do.
One day last week, I picked up a Christmas sale paper from Toys R Us and sat
him down at the desk next to mine. "Here, take this pen and go through this
catalog and put a check mark next to the things you might want Santa to
bring you."
He sat down and opened the first page carefully and thoughtfully and began
to mark. A couple of minutes later, I looked over and he was blowing through
the pages like a house on fire, ink flying! "Slow down and think about what
you're doing. Don't just mark everything."
"But I WANT everything," he replied.
- from Paul, Becky, and Clay Celli
http://www.nhffoundations.net/CelliOhanaFoundation
E-mail your humorous story or joke to editor@adoption.com.
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14. FEATURED ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL
Alternatives In Motion
Houston, TX
Toll Free: (800) 776-6508
Phone: (281) 821-6508
Contact: Ann Landry
alandry@dstweb.net
Providing Christian families for birthparents, of all races, seeking an open relationship with the adoptive parents. This is handled with the understanding that the decisions rest in the hands of the birth parents.
Services: Adoption Agencies Home Studies
For more information on Alternatives In Motion, visit http://www.AimAdoptions.org/.
Find adoption agencies, attorneys and other adoption professionals at AdoptionDirectory.com.
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Gotcha Charm with Customized Engraving - Only $34.00
Handcrafted, sterling silver, cast and custom designed charm. Gotcha Day is a term used by adoptive families to memorialize the day a child becomes a part of the family.
Each charm is hand-cast (never die-cut) in sterling silver and hand-finished by experienced craft persons right here in the USA. Like the children we cherish, no two pieces (even of the same design) are exactly alike.
For more information and ordering instructions, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/AMC00031.html.
For more adoption products, visit http://adoptionshop.com.
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16. SPEAK OUT
Hello, I am a birth mother who had to give her son up after his birth in September of 1967.
I have found him, but right now he says he wants nothing to do with me. He is happy
with his parents and doesn't want to upset them by telling them that we found each
other. I love him to death. This was my first child. I am just happy to know that he
is alive and happy. He is married, has a wonderful wife, and two little girls. He
won't even send me a picture of himself. I am so unhappy over all of this. I tried
to write him a nice long letter letting him know why I had to do what I did. He did
write to my daughter, and they found they have so much in common. He hasn't gotten in
touch with her now for sometime. I really don't have anyone else to talk to about
this. I was wondering if there are any other birth mothers out there that would like
to chat and have some support from those who have gone through this. Thank you,
Sharon From Ohio
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I was born KMM at CMG in Lewiston ME, July 1974. I want to know where I come from,
who I look like, everything. I want to know my natural place in this world. My e-mail: hsteere@maine.rr.com
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Hi my name is Karla C.Lane, and I am looking for my birthparents. I don't have much
information, but I hope that the little bit that I have will be of some help. I was
born in New Jersey on March 25, 1982. I was adopted by Harold and Zuline Lane. I was adopted through the Family and Children's Services on 191 Bath Avenue.
The only information I have is that her first name starts with an "M". Please if anyone knows anything PLEASE contact me. I am 20 years old now and i really need to know who I am and what my roots are. I have lost both of my adoptive parents: my mom
died when was 7 and my father died when I was 17. I really need to know who my
biological mother and father is because I don't have a mom or a dad right now so
PLEASE PLEASE, if you know anything, feel free to e-mail me at
firstladykcl01@yahoo.com or Camille-01@blackplanet.com. Thank You!!!
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Just this summer, my bsister contacted our state agency. We have been
writing for 2 months now. This week, I get to talk to her, and in mid-November, I fly back home and get to meet her! We are very excited!! My bsister has known about me since she was 7, so I feel very special. My bmom has died, but I still get to know my bfamily. I can't believe it's finally happening! I'm 45 and feel like a kid!
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Hi, my name is Regina Leon, and I'm 23 years old. I was given up for adoption when I was born. I just wanted to post that I found my birth mother about 2 months ago. I used a confidential intermediary. I thank her so much; without her, I would never
have found my mom. THANK YOU SO MUCH, Mar-Jane. It only took 3 months, and I was
already talking to her. We are so happy to FINALLY meet one another. I am so lucky:
she lives only 3 hours from me. I have not had ANY bad feelings toward my birth mother, and I
have made sure that she has no regrets putting me up for adoption. I have a younger
brother, V.J., and younger sister, Denise. I'm so excited to have them as my bro and
sis. I hope we can be closer.
To all the people searching, I know it's so hard to be patient, but keep trying and never give up. Good luck to
all the children that are looking for their birth parents, and I wish you the same
happiness, understand, and successful search that I had. Also, to all you birth
parents, I wish you luck, too, and don't be afraid to look for your children. I hope
you have the courage that my birth mother had, to meet you child. GOOD LUCK!!! ~Regina Leon
---------------------------------
Hi, I am 25 years old and was born in Okaloosa County, Florida. I was adopted from The
Children's Home Society in Pensacola, Florida. My birthday is July 28, 1977. This is all of the information I have. I would love to get any additional information I can. Please contact me: holly@accessgulf coast.com. I would like my birth parents to know I was adopted by wonderful loving parents! Thank you. - Holly
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Tune in Adopting Diego and Other Tales of International Adoption.
Heres news of a radio broadcast of interest to adoptees, adopting parents, adoption
groups, waiting families and family organizations. Adopting Diego and Other Tales
of International Adoption, a heart-warming radio documentary, is airing nationally
in November and December. Its message of hope, generosity, and reaching-out to help
others will enrich your family this holiday season.
In the centerpiece story, Adopting Diego, journalist Laurie Stern offers
her first person audio essay about the hurdles she overcame to adopt a baby boy from
Guatemala. Other segments explore the perspectives of adoptees and the bonds that
tie adopting parents to their children's home countries. Check the updated station
list at http://www.forkidssakeradio.com/listeners for local broadcast dates and
times.
Person Submitting:
Hope Atterbury
---------------------------------
Looking for baby girl born in Htfd. Conn. on Dec. 2,1956. Unwed mother was
encouraged by her father who is now deceased. Would like to know how she is
and let her know I have never forgotten her. GRAMNANO@aol.com
---------------------------------
To Speak Out and share your opinion or a comment, or to respond to a message, e-mail editor@adoption.com.
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17. ADOPTION ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP REVIEW
Here's a recent post from the Foster-Child Adoption group:
Hi there!
I wanted to share our adoption story! I have always wanted to adopt a child
since I was a little girl. Since I always pictured a little Asian girl, I
thought we would adopt from China or Korea. Well, my husband and I had three
biological children (2,4,6 at the time) and my heart was telling me that we
weren't finished yet! So, when I got up the nerve (I had been collecting
information from different agencies and "hiding" them in a drawer) I told my
husband of my deep desire. His response surprised me. "I knew about this
since dating you in college." hehe He was very receptive to the idea! Yea.
One Sunday after church I saw a woman holding a baby...I knew this woman
enough to know that she had a foster child. She came up to us and told us
that there are many little ones in the foster care system in need of homes!
She also told us about subsidy and really the small fees for this type of
adoption. Well, that clinched it for us seeing as I was a homemaker and my
husband is a teacher.
Anyway, to make a long story short...My little Asian daughter is taking a nap
in her toddler bed as I write this! We got her at 9 months old, and now she
is 3! She was from a county only 2 hours from our home. Her adoption was
final last January! (She actually thanked the judge! :) The miracle of this
is that only 1% of children in the foster care system in the US are Asian.
God gave me the desires of my heart in a little girl named Grace.
Our family is complete. We feel very blessed. Thanks for letting me share
with you!
Sherry
To be part of this group, visit AdoptionLists.com, register, and join.
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18. ADOPTION POETRY
THE ADOPTION
"You're giving up all your rights,
you know that, don't you dear"?
I nodded my head yes
holding back a tear.
"You understand his name will change
and he will be their son,
and once you sign this paper
the adoption will be done"?
Once again I answered yes
with a simple nod of head
not even really hearing
just what it was he said.
"Once you sign these papers
you can never change your mind."
"When you walk out through those doors
you're leaving him behind."
As my tears begin to flow
I said "there's something
you should know"
"You see, your honor
I love my son.
"I'm looking out for my number one".
"I love him more than life, you see,
"I love him more than I love me."
"This is the hardest thing I'll ever do"
"it makes me feel my life is through.
"But what I'm giving him today,
is a chance to live another way."
"I'll feel this pain for the rest of my life
but in his world there'll be no strive".
>From his bench, the judge looked down
he cleared his throat and looked around.
"May God bless you, always dear
for what it is you're doing here."
and with a pen and shaking hand
I signed those papers on that stand.
I only pray someday you'll know
how very much I love you so.
I wrote this in 1978. A birthmom's feeling.
- Merrie Maurer
Submit your adoption poetry to editor@adoption.com.
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19. ADOPTION CALENDAR
CHAT SCHEDULE:
Sunday:
Evening with Loretta for reunion support group chat at 6pm Pacific, 7pm Mountain, 8pm Central, 9pm Eastern.
Monday:
Join Dr. Art Becker-Weidman in the Adopting.org chat room at 2pm Pacific, 3pm Mountain, 4pm Central, 5pm Eastern and ask him questions on attachment therapy and treating children with trauma-attachment disorders.
Evening with Kathy; discuss ideas on getting started in the amazing journey of adoption. Join her at 7pm Pacific, 8pm Mountain, 9pm Central, 10pm Eastern in the Adopting.org chat room.
Tuesday:
Birthmom chat with Jennifer in the BirthMother.com chat room on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Tuesday, at 6:30pm Pacific, 7:30pm Mountain, 8:30pm Central, 9:30pm Eastern.
Birth mom chat with Linda in Search and Reunion chat room at 6pm Pacific, 7pm Mountain, 8pm Central, 9pm Eastern.
Wednesday:
Pre- and adoptive parent chat with JJ and friends - Help as you begin the adoption process. Hosted in Adopting.org chat room at 5pm Pacific, 6pm Mountain, 7pm Central, 8pm Eastern.
Join an informative chat on the ups and downs of reunion hosted by Sabra since 1997. Talk out your next step and share your experiences in search and reunion at 7pm Pacific, 8pm Mountain, 9pm Central, 10pm Eastern in the Search and Reunion chat room.
Parenting issues for adoptive/foster parents with Dimasmom in FosterParenting.com chat room at 6pm Pacific, 7pm Mountain, 8pm Central, 9pm Eastern.
Thursday:
Evening with Colleen Buckner, search expert, in Search and Reunion chat room at 6pm Pacific, 7pm Mountain, 8pm Central, 9pm Eastern.
Open adoption with Stephanie in Adopting.org chat room at 9pm Pacific, 10pm Mountain, 11pm Central, 12pm Eastern.
Friday:
Meet Louise and others in a forum for parents with children that may have physical challenges and/or emotional challenges in the InternationalAdoption.com chat room at 6pm Pacific, 7pm Mountain, 8pm Central, 9pm Eastern.
Transracial and general adoption with Trish at 7pm Pacific, 8pm Mountain, 9pm Central, 10pm Eastern in the InternationalAdoption.com chat room.
If you are having a "limbo" type experience with your reunion, come and talk it over with those who've "been there-done that" themselves. Join co-hosting birth mothers, April and Judy, in the Search and Reunion room on Fridays: 5pm Pacific, 6pm Mountain, 7pm Central, 8pm Eastern.
Saturday:
Older child adoption/foster care behavioral issues with Jerry in FosterParenting.com chat room at 6pm Pacific, 7pm Mountain, 8pm Central, 9pm Eastern.
For a listing of times and descriptions and to attend scheduled chats, or join the live chat, visit AdoptionChat.com.
ADOPTION EVENTS:
INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION PRESENTATIONS
November 12 (6pm - 8pm)
January 14 (6pm - 8pm)
February 11 (6pm - 8pm)
Andrew United Methodist Church, 2430 Hwy 127, Kathleen, GA 31047
Gladney Center for Adoption
RSVP to (478) 929-7065 or e-mail Robin Lynn at marthawannab31063@yahoo.com.
INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION PRESENTATIONS
November. 12 (6pm - 8pm)
December 13 (9am - 11am)
December 13 (1pm - 3pm)
December 13 (3pm - 5pm)
Gladney Center for Adoption, 360 Central Park West, #1B, New York, NY 10025-6544
Gladney Center for Adoption
RSVP to (212) 222-1222 or e-mail Andrea.Yonai@gladney.org.
INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION PRESENTATIONS
November 14 (6:30pm - 8:30pm)
Hope Cottage Adoption Agency, 4209 McKinney Avenue, Dallas, TX 75205
Gladney Center for Adoption
RSVP to 817-922-6063 or e-mail JudyH@gladney.org.
KEEPING THE PROMISE OF PERMANENCE
November 14
Casey Family Programs Oklahoma City Division Resource Family Center
A conference for professionals working with adoptive, foster, kinship and guardianship families.
This conference offers professionals and families an opportunity to hear presenters on a variety of topics that impact children, youth and families.
For more information, contact Bob Cross at bcross@casey.org or call (405) 843-0489 ext 278 or toll free 1-877-95CASEY.
ADOPTION: MYTHS AND REALITIES
November 16 (9:00am - 12:30pm)
Aptos, California - Cabrillo College
Sara Lively, founder of Adoption Paths, will present a
workshop for people who are considering or exploring
adoption. The workshop will cover the basics of the adoption
process, address common fears, and present information
about the types of adoption, costs and resources.For information and registration, call Cabrillo
College at (831) 479-6331, or contact Adoption Paths
at (831) 476-7252 or visit http://www.AdoptionPaths.com.
NATIONAL ADOPTION AWARENESS MONTH - Adoption Awareness Day
November 16 (10am - 1pm)
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Richmond
FRUA/CV's second Adoption Awareness Day
Adoption agencies, foster care services, attorneys, as well as medical and mental health professionals
will be on hand to discuss their services and programs with prospective and adoptive parents. Three breakout sessions covering international and domestic adoption will be held on the hour. Contact Mary at
mpsproof@aol.com for more information.
INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION PRESENTATIONS
November 17 (1pm - 3pm)
December 15 (1pm - 3pm)
The Blinn House, 6300 N. Western, Oklahoma City, OK 73118
Gladney Center for Adoption
RSVP to (405) 848-7890
2002 INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION FAIR
November 17 (12 - 4pm)
FREE.
Grapevine Convention Center, 1209 South Main Street, Grapevine, TX 76051
The Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of Families for Russian and Ukrainian Adoption
(DFW FRUA)
November is National Adoption Month and DFW FRUA wants to bring awareness to
international adoption as a wonderful way to create forever families. The event will be a resource for prospective adoptive parents interested in international adoption. It is also for families that have completed adoptions and are interested in DFW area support.
Information on adopting from ALL countries. Resources available at the event will include adoption agencies, social workers, adoption support groups and professionals and local cultural contacts of interest. There will be speakers on the adoption process, medical issues and the home study process. For more information contact Ellen Allam, at (972) 540-1154 or ellen.allam@attbi.com. A map is available at http://www.frua.org/dfw.
INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION PRESENTATIONS
November 19 (6pm - 8pm)
St. Martin's Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road, Houston, TX 77056
Gladney Center for Adoption
RSVP to (713) 984-2402 or e-mail gladbabies@aol.com.
VIETNAM BABYLIFT REMEMBRANCE DAY
November 23, 2002 (1:00pm)
Holmdel, New Jersey - New Jersey Vietnam Era Educational Center (on Garden State Art Center grounds, Exit 116 of Garden State Parkway)
Donation: $5.00
The program will include a special presentation of the Babylift
Documentary Film "Precious Cargo",
with co-producers, Janet Gardner and Pham Quoc Thai leading a discussion. Speakers include:
Shirley Barnes, author of "The War Cradle", Mike Boehm, Vietnam Veteran and Organizer of the My Lai and
Hanoi Peace Parks, Ross Meador, FCVN's Babylift Field Director. I wish to cordially invite all Babylift participants to attend this event. We will recognize you and express our appreciation to you during the program.
Other presentations include: Vietnamese traditional music, Vietnamese dance group performance (tentative), poetry and dramatic reading,
art exhibit...including the Babylift Quilt, created by Shirley Barnes from remnants of clothing worn by the Babylift adoptees in 1975...soon to be archived at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library, Section of the C-5A Airplane, Babylift Award Statue, Photo Exhibit. The program will be followed by a Holiday Lighting Ceremony at 6pm. Visit http://www.njvvmf.org or contact Lana Noone: noone@mailbug.com for additional information.
"ADOPTION: A GARDEN OF LOVE" - 22nd Annual Adoption Conference
November 24
C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University in Greenvale, NY
The Adoptive Parents Committee of Long Island
This conference is of interest to pre and post-adoptive parents, social workers, agency workers and other adoption professionals.
For more information, call (631) 467-3164 or visit our website at
AdoptiveParents.org.
"SPECIAL SCREENING OF "OUTSIDE LOOKING IN: TRANSRACIAL ADOPTION IN AMERICA" (documentary) + DISCUSSION WITH FILMMAKER, PHIL BERTELSEN
December 4 (6:30pm)
$20 per person program fee, $30 per couple
Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children, 6 East 94th Street (between Fifth & Madison Avenues), New York City
Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children
Join Phil Bertelsen, a black filmmaker and adoptee raised in a multiracial
family, for a showing of his documentary "Outside Looking In: Transracial Adoption
in America." This film features three families brought together ? and at times
pushed apart, by transracial adoption. Through the stories of three generations of
adoptees, Bertelsen examines the bonds and strains that families experience when
white couples decide to adopt black children. This workshop is relevant for all
transracial adoptive parents. Popcorn will be served.
Contact Jamila Cleary, (212) 360-0259 or jcleary@spence-chapin.org, to
register. Advance registration is required, as space is limited.
INTERNATIONALLY ADOPTED YOUNG ADULTS (Ages 18 to 30) FOCUS GROUP
December 5 (5pm - 7pm)
Tufts University, 105 College Avenue, Medford, MA, Eliot-Pearson Library (Accessible by T – Red Line @ Davis Square)
Dr. Joyce Maguire Pavao,
This is a collaborative effort between The Center for Family Connections, Cambridge, Massachusetts
and Joanne Jannsen, M.A. Candidate at Tufts
Meet other internationally adopted adults. Talk about your own experiences with others who understand.
Help develop materials to educate adoption workers and parents. Refreshments will be served.
For more information, contact Joanne Jannsen at
joanne.jannsen@tufts.edu or call (978) 579-8913.
INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION PRESENTATIONS
December 5 (7pm - 8:45pm)
"The Meeting Room", Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA
Gladney Center for Adoption
RSVP to (212) 222-1222 or e-mail Andrea.Yonai@gladney.org.
INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION PRESENTATIONS
December 11 (6pm - 8pm)
150 East 59th Street, New York, NY
Gladney Center for Adoption
RSVP to (212) 222-1222 or e-mail Andrea.Yonai@gladney.org.
For local listings, regional seminars, and many other adoption events, visit AdoptionCalendar.com.
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