I wish, I wish, I wish…I wish I hadn’t adopted. There I said it. Like a majority of families who’ve adopted children, I wasn’t mentally prepared for… Read more “I Wish I Hadn’t Adopted”
Category: Parenting Story
The 12 Days of Connection – No French Hens or Turtle Doves Required
During this holiday season, are you focusing more on relationships or things? To be honest, our early family Christmases were out of balance. My children opened an… Read more “The 12 Days of Connection – No French Hens or Turtle Doves Required”
Miss Giving of Thanks?
It’s that time of year for many adoptive families. Do you miss the traditional giving of thanks? Or do you have misgivings? Perhaps you have a combination… Read more “Miss Giving of Thanks?”
From Early Trauma to the Boston Marathon
The challenges of parenting children with special needs are real – even more so when confronting alcohol in the womb or neglect after birth. And success is… Read more “From Early Trauma to the Boston Marathon”
Expecting More, “We Showed Them”
Meet Kristin and Donna – two women in their mid-40s. They’re also Special Olympics athletes that compete on my sons’ team. Recently, they reminded a whole lot… Read more “Expecting More, “We Showed Them””
Less Judgment = More Parental Love
Within months of adopting my first three sons with special needs – each under the age of five, reality hit. The road to healthy attachment was going… Read more “Less Judgment = More Parental Love”
To My Father & All the Silent Heroes
My son Alex penned this sincere message from his jail cell, as he continues serving time for an addiction problem that eventually erupted in violence. I hope… Read more “To My Father & All the Silent Heroes”
In Spite of Everything, I’m Still Here
Music is influential. Just ask a group of overwhelmed parents after a long day with their kids. It conveys their feelings when they cannot. That’s what Alanis… Read more “In Spite of Everything, I’m Still Here”
Stronger in Spirit Than I Ever Imagined
The past month at my house has been rough. More surprises than usual. And not the pleasant variety. To be honest, I’ve been tired. Somewhat anxious. Distracted.… Read more “Stronger in Spirit Than I Ever Imagined”
Prison Diary of a Trauma Survivor
My incarcerated 26-year-old son Alex has given me permission to share excerpts from his letters. As a survivor of early childhood trauma, physical abuse and severe neglect,… Read more “Prison Diary of a Trauma Survivor”