Today I am thankful for the mothers who walked the adoption journey before me, some before I was ever born. While our experiences differ from birth mother to birth mother, down generations and circumstances, without their pioneering ways, I may not be as lucky as I am today in openess and healing.

I am thankful for many different kinds of birth mothers. I am thankful for those who speak candidly about their situations, either in positive or negative manners. Without telling their stories, I may not have been able to understand and accept that every adoption is different. With the varying stories of both success and defeat,... more

Many grandparents are raising their grandchildren these days.

Some of you may have formally adopted your grandchild, some are going through the kinship care program of the foster care system, other might have your grandchildren living with you as your children work out their lives.

Heck, maybe it’s always been that way, I don’t know. but the stats are being collected and it's a growing phenomenon....

At least there are lots of resources available to you, the ‘Grand’ mom and dad.

Here's a quote from the National... more

Here's the first post. Here's the second. And here we are on post #3.

In this post - the third in a series of ramblings on my birthday, my astrological sign and other foolishness I may or may not believe in - I am going to talk about adoption and dream interpretation.

When I looked up "adoption and astrology" through Google one of the very first links... more

I rarely write about the horrific crimes done to children by bio-family before they reach the foster care system.

We all read the paper, or the internet, and have access to these stories if want to be reminded that indeed, parents can be cruel, evil, tortuous human beings.

Sometimes it’s a step parent, foster parent, adoptive parent, who has come in and taken over from the bio-parent - and they become abusive.

I’m mad this morning.

Can you tell?

My in-box is filled with stories of torture.... more

My previous post was about my astrological sign, Sagittarius, and how it fits me pretty well although I don't really believe in astrology. I can't help but notice that the daily horoscopes are so broad that they could basically fit anyone's life, but then again some of the Sag traits are so spot-on for me it makes me wonder. At the same time, if I were a true Sag I would be so rigid in my belief system I wouldn't wonder at all, I'd know. So I'm not sure what to... more

The topic comes up time and time again when adoptive parents ask whether a child has Reactive Attachment Disorder or autistic spectrum disorders instead. Adoptive parents of traumatized children, especially those coming from institutions where neglect, poor nutrition and lack of stimulation seem to also be a part of the child’s history, often question the diagnoses they receive from professionals. Or the professionals question what other professionals have previously said. And the parents are left wondering who is correct and what the true “answer” is.

I’m... more

Got a call from a friend today whose son has Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID). She’s an awesome Mama Bear advocate for her son, who, through her efforts and those of dedicated teachers and professionals who really listened to this mom and provided the son with the services he needs, has been able to be successful in a regular education classroom this year with only minor supports and modifications.

Well, this young boy and his mom arrived at school early this morning and entered the classroom after the long Thanksgiving break. Their family... more

Today is my birthday - yay me! I'm 112, as I told my son's carpool buddy. I don't look a day over 82! No, actually I'm 38. Judging from the 3-way mirrors in Target yesterday I don't look a day over...38. Boo. My slow descent into middle age ain't sitting well on me.

If you know anything about horoscopes you will know that I'm a Sagittarius. I don't really believe in the whole horoscope thing but the description of a Sag mostly fits me to a T:

Sagittarians have a positive... more

Another long dry spell from me… I’m sorry. Once again, I was ill and spent the last few days in bed. Beth managed to share her cold with me, and starting on Thanksgiving night I wasn’t feeling well. I still drug myself to the Kansas City Chiefs Thanksgiving game… one of those spousal obligation things, you know. I came home and went to bed and barely got out of it the rest of the weekend. Not my usual routine, but it felt like that was where I needed to be.

We had a good Thanksgiving, and Amy joined us. She brought cookies and Pepperidge Farms hazelnut sticks.... more

The (of all places(*)) Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports on an abandoned baby found in a frigid Minnesota field.

About 7 feet from the road's edge, he found a baby's car seat wedged against the base of an oak tree and covered by a pink blanket. A small duffel bag lay next to the bundle.

"I opened the blanket, and there was a baby inside," Klaverkamp said.

He went to his truck, called 911 on his cell phone, then returned to the baby, gathering her in his arms and taking her into the warm truck.

It was about 40 degrees at the time.

"I touched her fingers,... more