Adoption Week e-Magazine
Reaching hundreds of thousands of people touched by adoption
October 22, 2002

To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit AdoptionWeek.com.

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IN THIS ISSUE
1.   ANNOUNCEMENTS:
     - New look for AdoptionLists.com 
     - Announcing AdoptionDNA.com 
     - Share your experiences while supporting others
     - Seeking moderators for adopting in Asia forums 
2.   NEW ARTICLES
3.   ADOPTION NEWS
4.   ADOPTION BOOK CLUB - adoption book review
5.   DAVE THOMAS CENTER FOR ADOPTION - news summary
6.   MEET NEW ADOPTIVE PARENTS
7.   FEATURED WAITING CHILD
8.   ADOPTION BUZZ - recent message board discussions
9.   ADOPTION GEM - inspirational thought
10.  ADOPTION SITE SPOTLIGHT
11.  ADOPTION DESTINATIONS - international adoption
12.  JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT - clean weekly humor
13.  FEATURED ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL
14.  ADOPTIONSHOP.COM PICK - review of an adoption product
15.  SPEAK OUT - contributions from our readers
16.  ADOPTION ONLINE GROUP REVIEW
17.  ADOPTION POETRY
18.  ADOPTION CALENDAR - adoption events, seminars, & chats
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GuaranteedAdoptionSearch.com - They'll find the person you're looking for or it's FREE.
AdoptionMusic.com - "Year's Best Adoption Product!" New CD of favorite adoption music.
AdoptionDirectory.com - Find the right adoption agency, attorney, or other professional.


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1. ANNOUNCEMENTS

NEW LOOK FOR ADOPTIONLISTS.COM
You are invited to view our recent FACELIFT of ADOPTIONLISTS.COM. You will now see descriptions for each list, the number of subscribers, new instructions and a prettier look and feel. Come by and see the new and improved ADOPTIONLISTS.COM, and join a free e-mail discussion list on adoption topics of interest to you at AdoptionLists.com.

ANNOUNCING ADOPTIONDNA.COM
Have you recently been reunited with your birth family but want to be sure you’ve found the right person? Or, are you planning to adopt a child and want to confirm paternity so you know the right person is signing the consent to adoption? Fill out the form at AdoptionDNA.com for a free consultation about accurate, reliable and affordable DNA testing.

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES WHILE SUPPORTING OTHERS
AdoptionForums.com has several openings for moderators to come along side others in our Before Adoption support section. Share what you learned and encourage others regarding topics such as Adopting Again, Adoption Financing, and other aspects of the beginning stages of adoption. Please contact Sabra@adoption.com for more details.

SEEKING MODERATORS FOR ADOPTING IN ASIA FORUMS
AdoptionForums.com, online adoption community, has several new international message boards and is looking for moderators to help build an online support community for Adopting From Asia. If you are interested, please contact Sabra@adoption.com.

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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.

Saving Joshua - new article by Katie Case
This road has been very bumpy and we were even thinking about taking a break, because we couldn't handle another disappointment. We did all the paperwork immediately so that we could get things moving my hope was to have him home in September. First we were told that we would only have to travel once to Penza that is all they required. We received his picture on September 16th five months from the day we found out that we would be Amanda's parents. It was so exciting we started to call him Joshua Michael. My husband hung his picture up at work, and I showed everyone. Why not? I am a proud mother. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=148

In Order to Get An Answer, You Need to Ask - new article by N. Vonita Ham
My adoptive parents have been the best. They are the only Mom and Dad I have, but curiosity sends me on the search. My message is for those who don't know where and how to start the search. My Mom and Dad gave me my adoptions papers when I mentioned that I wanted to find my biological mother. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=149

Natural Mother - new article by Rosemary McGuire
Amongst the crumbs of my inheritance were four photographs of me in various stages of development, together with my adoption papers, the existence of which had previously been vigorously denied. On receipt of these papers ten months after her death, I finally knew what my natural mother’s family name was at age 17 when she gave birth to me. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=150

A Wall Against the Pain - new article by Dawn Adams
Today, when feelings are repressed it is commonly known that unexpressed grief (pain) can easily become expressed as anger. I became angry at the world and hated everyone, including myself. Some birth mothers are unable to turn their anger anywhere but at the one person who deserves it the least, the adoptee. It's not to say that the birthparent is angry at the adoptee but at the life she was forced to live, the lies she was forced to tell. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=151

Make the Best of It - new article by Jennifer Coleman
I was raised by a very loving family and was afforded many great opportunities in life. I wish my birth parents could know this to feel their own comfort. After giving up a child for adoption, I also know how our birth mothers feel. It is the hardest decision any person will ever have to make. I have left all of my information open so that we can follow up someday - if he would like to. http://e-magazine.adoption.com/article.php?articleid=152

Read these articles or contribute an article at AdoptionWeek.com.

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3. ADOPTION NEWS

Eastsider Has Cared for 600 Children (TX)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.borderlandnews.com/stories/borderland/20021016-32773.shtml

Couple Works to Aid Childless (GA)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/epaper/editions/monday/gwinnett_d3aab25a84f5b0c10012.html

British Couple Sue After Adopting ‘Problem Child'
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.brunei-online.com/bb/fri/oct18w19.htm

What Makes a Family? (VA)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://chronicle.com/free/v49/i09/09a01201.htm

Adoptive Parents Find Special Needs Mean Love (FL)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-cp20adoptedboyoct20,0,3412818.story?coll=sfla%2Dnews%2Dbroward

Coyote Hill Establishes Relationships with Kids (MO)
http://www.adoption.com/includes/frame.php?url=http://www.showmenews.com/2002/Oct/20021020News001.asp

If any of the links to the news articles do not work, Click Here for a list of headlines.

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5. ADOPTION BOOK CLUB

WHY ME? ENTERING FOSTER CARE
This book deals with the trauma a child experiences when becoming a foster child and other sensitive matters such as child safety. The book is designed to help children in foster care cope with their new way of life by answering some of the questions that play so heavily on their hearts. The book helps children see that they have every right to feel safe and secure, to be happy, and to feel good; to see that they can make new friends, get help from their teachers when needed, and learn to make the best of their new home.

For more information on this book, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/ADP11733.html.

Find 1,400+ 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. DAVE THOMAS CENTER FOR ADOPTION LAW WEEKLY NEWS SUMMARY

October 15, 2002

"RUNAWAY A POSTER GIRL FOR DCF'S TROUBLES" - by Elinor J. Brecher
Judge John A. Frusciante, a Broward Circuit judge and a sharp critic of Florida's Department of Children and Families, requested a report on the department's efforts to recruit more foster parents for teens. The request came during a runaway teen's emergency placement hearing. Mary Allegretti, the DCF's deputy district administrator in Broward, has admitted that teens who run away are especially difficult to place because foster parents get to a point where "they've done all they can."
The Miami Herald; Wednesday, October 9, 2002; SECTION: NEWS.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/4241626.htm

"NEIGHBORS SUE FOSTER FAMILIES BUSINESS" - by Mark Holan
The Forest Lake Estates Civic Association of Port Richey Inc. is asking the Pasco County Circuit Court to decide whether the Gourlay family, which includes five foster children, violated two sections of the neighborhood's restrictive covenants. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges that by accepting payment to provide foster care, the Gourlays failed to restrict the use of their home to "a single family, their household servants and guests." The family has twenty days to respond to the complaint.
The Tampa Tribune; Tuesday, October 8, 2002; SECTION: NEWS.
http://news.tbo.com/news/MGA90Z0C17D.html

"JUVENILE COURT JOURNAL; CASEWORKERS CAN MAKE OR BREAK A FAMILY" - by Barbara White Stack
The quality of a caseworker can be the difference between reunification and termination of parents and children. Some caseworkers are renowned in juvenile court for their ability to solve problems and bring together strengthened families, while others are notorious for the opposite. Frustrated juvenile court judges are cracking down on inadequate caseworkers because the kind of information-or disinformation-caseworkers give judges can be crucial in deciding a case.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette; Sunday, October 13, 2002; SECTION: LOCAL NEWS.
http://www.post-gazette.com/localnews/20021013caseworkreg2p2.asp

"QUICK ADOPTION SOUGHT FOR BABY" - by Michael King
On March 7, a woman left her newborn infant girl in a zippered duffel bag outside a Manitowoc hospital. Since she did not directly hand over the infant to medical personnel, the safe-haven law was not invoked and a civil abandonment proceeding was needed. However, law enforcement officials did not pursue criminal abandonment charges. Now the child is living with foster parents who wish to adopt her.
The Post-Crescent (Gannett, Wisconsin); Monday, October 14, 2002; SECTION: NEWS.
http://www.wisinfo.com/postcrescent/news/archive/local_6441455.shtml

"ADOPTION OPTION: COUPLE CHOOSES OPEN ADOPTION AND CREATES AN EXTENDED, EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY" - by Peg Kowalczyk
When the Barr family decided on open adoption, they agreed to maintain a close relationship with the birth families of their children. Now the couple's extended family includes five sets of biological parents, seven sets of grandparents, several great-grandparents, and numerous aunts and uncles. Lisa Barr is happy with her decision, stating, "We wanted what was best for the kids, to minimize any effect of perceived abandonment, and to surround our children with people who loved them."
The Southern Illinoisan; Saturday, October 12, 2002.
http://www.southernillinoisan.com/rednews/2002/10/13/build/top/TOP003.html

Credit: Dave Thomas Center for Adoption Law
Link: http://www.law.capital.edu/adoption

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6. 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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7. FEATURED WAITING CHILD


Sharina is physically mature for her age. She is extremely athletic and enjoys track and basketball. She also enjoys modern dancing and is active in her church youth group. Sharina has made great strides in her education to catch up with peers but still lags behind others in her class. Sharina is not in special education classes, but does need extra help from tutors. Although, she has difficulty accepting direction, but has lots of talent and abilities. Sharina needs a family with a lot of time and attention to dedicate to her. She needs a family that can set clear expectations but can also be patient, yet firm, if she is unable to live up to these expecations. She needs a family with the energy and dedication to direct these talents in a manner that will help her to become successful.

AdoptableKids.com is a free community service of Adoption.com featuring more than 1,000 children awaiting loving, permanent homes.

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8. ADOPTION BUZZ

Adoptees Forum: - Adjustment
http://www.adoptionforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=83095

Adoptee Support: - First Time Problems - Are They Related?
http://www.adoptionforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=83124

Dialogue Between Adoptive Mothers and Birthmothers: - Open Adoption? Need Advice! Rules?
http://www.adoptionforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=83141

Primary Infertility: - Thoughts on "Why Me?" -- A Christian Perspective
http://www.adoptionforums.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=83100

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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9. ADOPTION GEM

Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of. - Ben Franklin

Don't be afraid that your life will end; be afraid that it will never begin. - Grace Hansen

See a daily adoption gem at Adoption.com.

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10. ADOPTION SITE SPOTLIGHT

This week, our adoption spotlight is shining on: MilitaryAdoption.com.

Are you an adoptive parent and in the military? Or, are you in the military and in the process of adopting a child? Then, MilitaryAdoption.com is the place for you!

This website provides information for military families before and after adoption. Come share your military adoption stories, and read about the obstacles facing military families, the pluses of military families, etc.

For a list of our favorite adoption websites, visit AdoptionSites.com.

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11. 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 Nepal.


Nepal is located in Southern Asia, between China and India. As of July 2001, its population was 25,284,463. Nepal has a climate that varies from cool summers and severe winters in the north to subtropical summers and mild winters in the south.

To learn more about Nepal's government, geography, and communication information, or its history, visit Nepal.Adoption.com.

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12. JUST FOR THE FUN OF IT

QUITTING SCHOOL

My son told me one day, while he was in kindergarten, that he was quitting school.
When I asked why he said that, he said, "They call me 'Shorty', and I'm not short!"
He has also asked me who made up the dumb rule that kids have to go to school.

- from Chris

E-mail your humorous story or joke to editor@adoption.com.

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13. FEATURED ADOPTION PROFESSIONAL

Adoption Law Office of Morse & Bratt
Vancouver, WA
Toll Free: (800) 945-4084
Phone: (360) 699-4780
mtilden@morse-bratt.com

We specialize in representing adoptive and birth parents in domestic and international placements; and in creating networking resources for private adoptions. Also stepparent, second parent and interstate adoptions.

Services: • Adoption Attorneys • International Adoption • Stepparent Adoption • US Immigration Naturalization

For more information on Adoption Law Office of Morse & Bratt, visit http://www.Morse-Bratt.com/practice/adoption.html.

Find adoption agencies, attorneys and other adoption professionals at AdoptionDirectory.com.

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14. ADOPTIONSHOP.COM PICK

China Adoption Travel Journal (Ages 4-7) - Only $22.50

This interactive journal has been designed for children traveling to China to adopt a sibling. Each page features a theme such as "Let's get ready!", "Don't forget your stuff", and "Learning to write in Chinese." There are questions to answer, pictures to color and activities to complete. The journal has been crafted to be a lasting memento of your child's trip. The journal is 25 pages in length and includes 7 colored pages for journaling. Designed to last a lifetime, journals have a brightly colored cover with a clear plastic protector, sturdy back and are spiral bound. Pages are made of card stock. Size is 8 1/2 by 10.

For more information and ordering instructions, visit http://adoptionshop.com/cgi-bin/products/AIJ00002.html.

For more adoption products, visit http://adoptionshop.com.

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15. SPEAK OUT

Where are all of these children needing foster homes!?!? My husband and I have been foster parents for 2+ yrs. We are 1 of only 6 foster families in our county - Rio Blanco, Colorado. We are the only home licensed for children under 6 yrs. We have contacted bordering counties and even the counties around Denver; the distance to our small town seems to be the issue. We are here!!! Don't think I am wanting children to be in the system! I am talking about the children already there. If someone knows of any county or private social service agencies that need foster families, please e-mail us at 6566@quik.com. We have had 2 sibling groups in the 2+ yrs and LOVED every day of it. Not to say there weren't challenges, but we have that with our own children...that's expected. Thank you for your help.

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I think this is a great site. I have found my sister thanks to the info I found on this site.
Thank you, Crystal

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My husband has been searching for his birth family for years. Because he was adopted in Quebec, Canada, it has been almost impossible to find out anything. You see, my husband has health problems. We would love to be able to find out if these problems are hereditary. It has been very discouraging for us to be turned away just because of the Canadian background. He was born on Oct. 31, 1954. We do know that he came from 2 rural families. His mother was 17, and his father was 21. He was given up at the hospital. The nuns at the Catholic orphanage named him Joseph Laurent Prince. My husband was adopted by a family in Chicago; they renamed him Francis (Frank) Jerome Kole. They have now since passed on, and my husband doesn't have any family to speak of. It would mean the world to him to find anyone that would know his family. There has to be a large family, because on one side there were 13 children, and the other had even more. The details that we have been able to get are very sketchy. I hope someone out there can help. - Dana Kole (d_kole@zybertech.net)

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I would like to see if anyone can help us locate a local adoption play group or support group. We are located near the Houston, TX area. Thanks, Cheryl

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I understand the pain and confusion that is associated with foster care. I am not sure why so many states feel that the best place for all children is with their bio-parents. Obviously there are some bio-parent that should not get their children back, especially after multiple times in the system. All I can tell you is to hang in there. Not only are you providing the children with a solid foundation of love that they need. Things can also work out how you want them to. I know that I did not feel that things would work out in our favor many times during our 3 year struggle. But I am proud to say that we finalize our adoption in Jan 2003. Give it to God and try not to take it back! Good luck to you on your journey. God Bless --- Michelle (Jeanee's mom)

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May Heather Amanda be blessed in knowing a mother's true sacrifice. - Annette

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I have a comment for two subscribers who commented in the October 15th newsletter. First to Andrew who said that adoption is not so bad. That must be because you were adopted by people who cared for you in a loving way; however, that is not the case with all adoptions - or with people who are foster parents for that matter. I was adopted, when I was 2 years old, by 2 people who also took care of hundreds of foster kids. Frankly, I couldn't imagine life with my birth parent(s) as being any worse. I often think that life in an orphanage and/or on the streets would have been much more preferable to the abuse I suffered at the hands of these people. I am glad you had a good experience.

Second to Julie Ferenzi who explained how she got in contact with her sister. I, too, am from Ohio and have had a difficult time getting a copy of my original birth cert. I did manage to get some paper work from the adoption agency (can't remember the name right now) but all pertinent information like names, cities, dates, etc. had been blackened out with a magic marker!!! But I will try your suggestions and hope they work out better. Thanks for your input. - Mikaele-Darby

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To whom it may concern:

My husband and I will be going to the Denver, CO area in Dec. to adopt a baby and are in need of a place to stay. We would be interested in renting a cabin, house, or condo for 1-2 weeks. Please let us know if anyone has anything like this available. - Charity (cokeman102@msn.com)

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Today, October 15, is your birthday if you are my cousin born as Shirley Scott and adopted at birth in 1946. I have been trying to find you for some time, but am trying to avoid a private investigator or formal search service. I think about you often even though we have never met, and think about you especially today, your 56th birthday. Happy birthday from your cousin Jean (the only other girl in the family).
- jsh1252@ezy.net

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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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16. ADOPTION ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP REVIEW

Here's a recent post from the Birth Parents group:

Hi there,

I am Janeen, and I am a birth great-grandmother. Our little one will be 3 in December. Open adoption was promised but not fulfilled. Very few pictures and visits came forth the first two years - always instigated by us without trying to be intrusive to the afamily. After the amom died of cancer last year, we have been completely shut out by the adad who says the little one is just too young to handle it. Although, it was always just a visit with "friends." And yes, we have walked on egg shells throughout, as not to offend. Much help was given to us by Brenda Romanchik and we followed her instrustions to a T. We did nothing wrong. The support from the lists and boards has helped us cope greatly. Thank you.

Okay - birth mom is 18 now and in college. Just started suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder but is doing fine as can be and getting good grades. I know she misses seeing the little one. I am a great-grandmother, own a travel agency, and spend most of my time reading. My favorite season is Fall, and my favorite food is my MIL's chocolate chip cookies. Oh, and Sarah Jane - I love Michael Crawford also. Because of my age, I will always be an Elvis fan. LOL

Love the genuine support here and pray that together we will some day be able to overcome the public opinion regarding adoption and perhaps make it easier for someone to have a good open adoption. Congrats for those who do.

Big hugs and a thank you,
Janeen

To be part of this group, visit AdoptionLists.com, register, and join.

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17. ADOPTION POETRY

THE LAST HOUR

One Hour Left-till I must let you go,
I stare at your face and silently scream NO!
I miss you already, I looked at you and said,
as I made sure to be careful of your soft little head,
You were simply perfect, 10 fingers, 10 toes,
Your Daddy's eyes, and your Mommy's nose,
we coulnd't stop crying, your daddy and me,
Our hearts were as broken, as broken could be,
We wanted you Kaylan, I swear that is true,
But we had to do what was best for YOU,
We sobbed and stared, as the clock ticked on,
1 half hour now, until you were gone,
I started to think of the months before,
Then began to cry more and more,
I remembered then, why my choice was right,
But I'll sure miss your kicks in my belly at night,
10 minutes now, and I began to pray,
I felt my heart be ripped out that day,
I prayed for your safty, your happiness, and heart,
then I told you how I have loved you from the start,
I prayed you'd understand that my love is true,
and that this really was the right thing for you,
Their was a lot to that prayer, but now it's a blur,
Then, I told my child, how much I'd miss her...
I swear I saw you smile that day,
As I wished to myself that you could stay-
But the time was up as my heart broke in two,
I knew what it was that I had to do,
I thought to myself, how will I do this,
Then I handed you to Daddy with some tears and a kiss,
He told you he loved you and kissed your sweet head,
I don't know about him, but I felt numb, almost, dead,
I have felt dead since then, without you next to me,
But it's all worth it see, because you are happy,
Much happier with your new mom and dad my princess, that's true...
But don't ever think that we don't miss you,
With all our hearts, Miss Kaylan Marie,
we are here and we love you...your FIRST family

I love you always,

Your FIRST Mommy,
Emily Kaylan
©2000

For more adoption poetry, visit AdoptionPoetry.com.
Submit your adoption poetry to editor@adoption.com.

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18. 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: 5p.m. Pacific, 6p.m. Mountain, 7p.m. Central, 8p.m. 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:

PRE-PARENTING CLASSES
September 2002 - June 2003
The Cuyahoga Falls River Front YMCA at 544 Broad Blvd Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Families Through Adoption (FTA)
FTA will present eight one hour classes before our membership meeting from 6:00-7:00 PM on the 3rd Saturday of September. The pre-parenting classes are to meet the needs of adoptive parent(s) prior to the arrival of their child and also for the experienced parent who may have questions or concerns or insights in the adoptive process. These classes will be offered in Akron, Ohio. Although parents can join anytime, they are encouraged to begin the classes in September. There is no charge for taking this class. There are only two requirements:
1) is that you join FTA and pay the annual dues of $25.00 after the first class, and
2) to  prove that you're serious about becoming a Family Through Adoption
These classes will meet your agency and state requirement for pre-parenting classes. Please join us  for the 2002-2003 season in September. To register, or for more information, please call Bob Pyke at 1-330-922-0987 or fax 1-978-389-8730 or e-mail repyke@infi.net.

CUB'S ANNUAL RETREAT
October 25 - 27
Ashland, Nebraska
Concerned United Birthparents(CUB)
Featured speakers include Rickie Solinger, Nancy Verrier, Fr. Tom Brosnan, and more.
For a registration form visit CUBirthParents.org/retreat.pdf.

KOREAN ADOPTEE FAIR
October 26 (10a.m. - 3p.m.)
Ithaca, NY [Cornell campus, Multipurpose Room of Noyes Community Center on West Campus]
Cornell University Korean Students Association
Anyone who lives in the area, or is going to be in the area, is welcome to attend. The fair's purpose is primarily to serve as a direct link for Korean adoptees of all ages to their culture, and will involve food, stories, games, shows, etc. Parents/families are also encouraged to participate in the fair, as a special effort will be made to accommodate the families of the adoptees. Another primary focus of the fair is to establish a connection between members of the Korean adopted community and their families in the Ithaca area, while establishing a similar connection between Korean adoptees and the Korean Students Association of Cornell. Traditional Korean foods/desserts/drinks will be served. Play traditional Korean games, play Korean pop music, and we'll make sure the event is both fun and festive. For more information or directions, e-mail ec239@cornell.edu.

SPAFA's ADOPTION EXPO 2002
November 2 (8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.)
International Trade Center - Uptown Charlotte, NC - 200 North College St.
Southern Piedmont Adoptive Families of America (SPAFA)
Now in our sixth year, our goals for the event are to increase adoption awareness in the community; educate attendees about available adoption options and introduce our organization as a supportive local resource for prospective adoptive parents and families. There is no charge for this event!

This year we continue with our successful tradition by offering 35 adoption agencies and professionals in one convenient trade show setting. On the the day of this unique event, we offer morning and afternoon workshops on topics such as Getting Started, An Overview of Domestic Adoption, An Overview of International Adoption, and Question and Answer Sessions on both domestic and international adoptions. In addition, Adam Pertman, the Pulitzer-nominated journalist and author of "Adoption Nation: How the Adoption Revolution is Transforming America," will be our keynote speaker. For more information, visit http://www.SPAFA.org.

NJ'S LET'S TALK ADOPTION CONFERENCE
November 2
Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ
NJ will hold it's annual Let's Talk Adoption Conference.
Keynote speaker: Deborah Hage, MSW
Registration material will be available soon.
Contact conference@cpfanj.org or (908) 273-5694 for more information or to be placed on the mailing list.

ADOPTION AWARENESS ALLIANCE - Fall Family Retreat
November 2 (9a.m.) - 3 (noon)
Camp Joy, Clarksville, OH
There will be a retreat for families who have adopted. For further information call (513)771-3515 or AdoptAlliance.org.

NATIONAL OPEN ADOPTION CONFERENCE FOR ADOPTION PROFESSIONALS
November 4 & 5
Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort
The National Federation for Open Adoption Education - 11th Biennial conference,
"Open Adoption in Practice"
This conference offers adoption professionals "hands-on" training to implement open adoption or sharpen their skills in providing this service.
Featured speakers include:
Adam Pertman, author of "Adoption Nation",
David Brodzinsky, PhD, Co-Author "Being Adopted--The Lifelong Search for Self," and
Kathleen Silber, MSW, Co-Author "Dear Birthmother" and "Children of Open Adoption."
For information or a conference brochure, contact the NFOAE at (925) 827-2229 or online at AdoptionHelp.org (click on conference).

BOWL-A-THON
November 9
Crown Lanes in Tampa, Florida
The Gift of Adoption organization
This is the organization's first fund raiser and we look forward to participation by anyone and everyone that is intersted in adoption. Gift of Adoption is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation that provides small grants to adoptive parents for the purpose of pursing an adoption. Most adoptive parents have compelling stories and many adopt special needs children.
For more information, please contact Jeanne Tate at (813) 258-3355 or jeanne@jtatelaw.com.

INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION SEMINAR - FREE
November 9 (1pm - 4 pm); Registration 12:30 - 1pm
Christ the King Lutheran Church, 5575 Peachtree Parkway, Norcross, GA
World Partners Adoption, Inc.
Get answers to your questions about the international adoption process, including paperwork and costs. The seminar is FREE. Pre-registration is preferred.
Call toll free (866) 739-2901 or local Atlanta (678) 957-9371, or e-mail WPAdopt@aol.com to register. For more information, visit WorldPartnersAdoption.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.

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.

"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.

For local listings, regional seminars, and many other adoption events, visit AdoptionCalendar.com.

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