adoption
Adoption proves that sometimes, you can choose your family; all about the process before, during and after adoption.
Help Me, I'm in Foster Care
As a person who has experienced many differing roles dealing with children that are "in the system," I have grown to lean and understand the frustrations that challenge the homes of foster and adoptive families alike. Many times we setup services to aid children in care; however, that family's entire unit is affected as well. The mom, dad, children, extended family, church, and even pets undergo life altering events. I am utilizing this book to tell their stories, their cries, their joys, their wishes, and their needs in the form of letters.
By Tenio Cousin5 years ago in Families
It is Forever
The buzzing noise threatened to kick my anxiety into overdrive. I was laying on the white vinyl chair with my head turned away from my newest friend, Damon. I did not watch him set up, I did not see if the needle was clean, I forgot to look and see if he was wearing gloves. I was probably making a mistake. I was making a mistake. This was a mistake. Why do people even get tattoos? What am I doing? This. Is. Forever.
By Amy Whatley Mallett6 years ago in Families
Mr. K's Umbrella
I still remember that day last year like it was yesterday. I just left the office for the day and the air had a tropical feel to it; I could smell the storm brewing. The warmth combined with the breeze felt wonderful after a long day of work. My day didn’t start out great; running late in the morning, I forgot my tote bag which had my umbrella and walking shoes in it. The forecast said a storm was coming. It was shortly after 5 pm. I looked down at my stilettos, those damn heels that I loved so much. Just as I was thinking about whether I would make it to the bus stop, a block and a half away; thunder broke and it began to pour.
By Marilyn Glover6 years ago in Families
Kumamoto Sakura
When I was a year-and a half, I was adopted from Japan and I grew up in Hawaii as an only child. In Spring 2008, I went to Kumamoto, Japan to meet my birth mother, Mitsuko for the first time. I was 39 at the time, and had never seen her before, not even a photo of her in all those years.
By Caryl Leroh6 years ago in Families
From an adoptive parent during the "black lives matter" movement
The "Black lives matter" movement brings a bit of hope for my child's future. To be honest, my decision never came easy. I knew it would never be an easy fight, but my wish for us to be family was my fuel. I think and overthink all the scenarios that can or might be happening to him. Some can be upsetting. Because of that, I try desperately to prepare him. Many times my decision to "take him from his home" was misjudged. There'll always be people to comment on what you do, no matter what you do and without knowing facts. My focus is not on that kind of people. Yours shouldn't be on them, also. My focus is on Karim, my family, my friends and trying to make everything work for us, fairly.
By Corina G. Prutean6 years ago in Families
I’m Adopted!
The coolest fact about me is that I am adopted. For some reason people think that’s really rare and interesting. I guess I don’t see it as interesting because it was a normal thing for me. I always knew that another woman gave birth to me and gave me and my sister up so we could have better lives. It is something that I am very thankful for because my life growing up was amazing. I had two parents who loved me even though I wasn’t their’s biologically. They gave my sister and I the best life possible! Fun fact: my sister and I are actual blood sisters, adopted from the same family, but at different times! Kind of cool, right?
By Taylor Hagemann6 years ago in Families
Letter to My Daughter on Mother's Day
It is my first official Mother's Day. I had you make Mother's day cards for everyone but me. It feels so strange to ask and then watch you craft a card for me. But, I always make sure that everyone else gets one. Our story is long and complicated. We officially adopted you this year. So many things had to fall apart before that could be put together. I lost my best friend. My trust was betrayed and my heart was broken; more than once. You were terrified and too young to verbalize that. When you realized that my home would be your home permanently, everything changed. I almost stopped going to school. It was too difficult to be one of your moms and participate in student life. What the hell was student life when it meant that you were growing up without me? I missed you terribly. I questioned my position in your life every day for nearly five years. You were mine the day you were born. The first day I held you, I promised you that you and I would always be together. When things took a turn, I felt like my purpose in your world did too.
By A'Kala Chaires6 years ago in Families
How to Choose the Right Type of Adoption
With so many types of adoptions available it may feel overwhelming to choose the right one for you. Information is key in deciding which type of process is best for your family. Make sure you do enough research about each type of adoption and weigh their pros and cons. Ask your adoption agency, family lawyer and other experts about the costs of each, how much time the process will take, the risks associated with the process, and any other question you may have. Talk with other adoptive parents and ask about their experience, join Facebook groups, look for bloggers online and YouTube videos. Keep in mind that everyone has their own expectations about the process and every adoption will not always be the same.
By Mariela Corella6 years ago in Families
