We’re excited to share this special chapter from Rachel Garlinghouse’s new book, The Hopeful Mom’s Guide to Adoption: the Wit and Wisdom You Need for the Journey. As an adoptive mom, Rachel has been a part of the adoption community for ten years, and through her writing she educates, inspires, and empowers. How to Talk to Your…
July 30, 2005 Journal Entry: Dear Ian Viktor, Your father and I approach Moscow by air. It is a sunny and pleasant Saturday morning. I press my right cheek to the window of the airplane. The warmth of the sun feels good on my face as I close my eyes and think of you. I…
“I was so afraid of being seen as imperfect. What happens to imperfect things? They get sent back…” The above words were my reference of thought for much of my childhood life: you better be perfect or you might get sent back to foster care. I can recall, as a little girl, the panic I…
Today we are incredibly grateful to share part two of our blog series with Ashley Mitchell, writer, speaker, and adoption advocate. With her compassionate and articulate voice, Ashley starts powerfully honest conversations from her perspective as a birth mom. Read part one of Ashley’s story here _ After I walked out of that abortion clinic I…
As a former foster child, as well as an international adoptee, I’m often asked about my nationality. In other words, people are curious as to where I originated, what my heritage is and to whom I once belonged. Believe me, I have been — in my lifetime — ultra curious about these things, as well….
Adoption is a muddy road. I’ve said those words so many times. So many look at our family, made up of the white dad and white mom and three little black sons, and inevitably ask… “What’s it like?” Depending on my mood and the time allotted on the clock, sometimes I say, “It’s great!” But,…
It’s been a decade and four adoptions, and still open adoption can be perplexing. Perhaps you know what I mean. Adoption agencies boast that open adoption is the way to go. They encourage openness, touting it as a joyous, loving, simple choice that fosters peace, harmony, and connectivity. But what is open adoption, really, and…
Dear Adopt a Love Story community, Today we are incredibly grateful to start a new blog series with Ashley Mitchell, writer, speaker, and adoption advocate. With her compassionate and articulate voice, Ashley starts powerfully honest conversations from her perspective as a birth mom. Today, Ashley is sharing the beginning of her story. — Disclaimer: This…
We’ve been following along with Evan and Ashley as they navigate the adoption journey. They decided to start writing about their process when they realized they received lots of the same questions. We’ll be hearing more from Evan and Ashley over the next few months, as they answer the frequently asked questions they encounter. Today,…
Ten years ago, I was in a very different place. We had begun the adoption process for the first time, and my type-A self had one goal: get a baby ASAP. I had been through the proverbial ringer. A mysterious year-and-a-half long illness resulted in a near-death experience and the diagnosis of an autoimmune disease….
