Openess Seminar

August 9-10, 2007
Openness in Adoption
This is the required 2-day seminar for the Domestic Infant Adoption Program at our agency.

WOW - What a great seminar! We went with open minds and were amazed at the information that was provided. Our agency does a FABULOUS job pushing you to explore new ways of thinking. It really was a powerful 2 days.

The spotlight of the first day was the "Adoption Panel". This panel consisted of a birthmom, her parents, the adopted child, and the adoptive parents (and their 2 other children). They told their story and then we were able to ask questions. Everyone in the room was glued to every word. (I was a little disappointed that the birthmom was the same one that we met during PAC. I was hoping to hear someone elses story. Oh well, it was still good info!)

The second day was a full one. We had multiple sessions dealing with openness, diversity, cultural awareness, and writing a profile/Dear Birthmother letter. There was also a session during which a lawyer talked about the legal process (and risks). We got his card for future use!

All-in-all it was wonderful experience. We really learned a TON!

Now, we are in the process of drafting our own profile/letter.
My DH had already started it before the seminar so we've got a head start. There really is a lot to consider when writing such and important letter. Ive purchased a few books on the subject to help us make the most impactful letter we can. Its fun - yet scary. This is the MOST IMPORTANT letter we will ever write. How do you put your heart on a piece of paper?

Timing is everything. Laura told us that they are currently working with 12 potential birthmothers. If we get our profile/letter done soon it will be viewed by the 12!
(no pressure.... yeah right!)

Home Study - pt 2

Aug 7th - Laura met us at our house for the home-visit. She walked in the front door and we sat at the kitchen table and talked. She never even went thru the house! (all that cleaning for nothing! :-))
I had given our dog a new bone right before Laura got there hoping that she would be calm. IT WORKED! She was so mellow! I was OVERJOYED! (she is getting a steakbone tonight!)

The home-visit lasted about an hour. It was very relaxed. She said that she would let us review the final report before she submitted it. We can hardly wait!!!
It feels so good to have that part of the journey behind us.

Next Step : the 2 day Openness Seminar Aug 9-10.

Home Study - pt 1

Wow - what a whirlwind! Things have been going FULL STEAM AHEAD lately.

We had our first meeting with Laura at the agency Aug 1st. Needless to say we were a bit nervous - but - it couldnt have gone better if we tried! She said straight off that from what she had seen/read that we were already approved - the meetings were just a formality. (WHOO HOO!)

We met for about 2 hrs just reviewing our self-study and getting to know each other better. After a few minutes we were comfortable (as comfortable as can be expected while digging thru memories with a complete stranger!) She is a wonderful person and we feel lucky to get her!

Our 2nd meeting was scheduled for Aug 2nd at our house but she had to reschedule it for Aug 7th. We left the meeting feeling energized and really excited about what was ahead.

Then - the bridge fell (I-35 over the Mississippi). My DH was ON THAT BRIDGE just hours before it went down. I feel sick just thinking about it. That put a dark cloud over our excitement. So many people were injured, missing, or lost. It is such a tragedy. I heard yesterday that they are still searching for 5 people. The water is so murky even the Navy divers are having a tough time seeing. It really puts things in perspective....