2006 is nearly at an end and I am amazed at how much writing that I have been able to do this year. Some days I wasn't certain that I had it in me! However, blogging has been a great experience. The numbers show that our blogs here at adoptionblogs.com are well read, and that in itself is rewarding.

Therefore, I would like to thank all those who have helped me in my blogging adventures in 2006. Stats indicate that our blogs are receiving a great deal of traffic. I appreciate readers as well as commenters. Some commenters have shared some wonderfully... more

The last day of 2006, what a whirlwind of a year this has been for me! As the old year ends, I cannot help but marvel at all that I have learned. Throughout the year about, I have seen the amazing resilency and resourcefulness of those separated by adoption. The dogged determination and strong desire to reunite in many separate family members continues to amaze me with each new story that I uncover.

The opportunity to watch and hear stories of search and reunions has been an exciting one for me. As reunions increase and become more frequent, more research... more

Some adoptee issues seem very unique to me. Other times being adopted may only exaccerbate problems and make them more difficult. The issues that many adoptees face as I see them are as follows:

1. Connecting with others - I do not think by any means that it is impossible for adoptees to connect with others. However, I believe that sometimes it is harder for them to do so. Many adoptees have told me this is the case. Certainly non-adoptees have similar issues, however, I think this issue is more common among adoptees. 2. Loss - Some adoptees... more

This photo is one that I took a few years ago in Paris. Don't ask what it has to do with the subject of this blog - there is no correlation. I just liked this photo and wanted to use it!

Our new adoptee blogger Jupe is not an anguished adoptee who blames every problem or issue in her life on her adoption. In fact, in her past few blogs she has said that she is hard pressed to identify issues that are specific to adoption (or words to that effect.) I commented that I do believe that there are some issues that are unique to adoptees. Jupe's response is below.

I... more

Preparations for the Rose Parade are under way in my part of the world. Driving to work shortly before Christmas, I noticed banners up for the parade. One of the streets that I take to work every day is where the floats are parked after the parade. Since I work in Pasadena, the neighborhood near my office is busily preparing as well. Grandstands outside the bank that I use were being constructed and readied for the big event.

As any year draws to a close, I reflect on what's changed during the year. With my close ties to the adoption... more

If you begin a search, you have no idea where it might lead you. Some searches may involve other countries, sometimes unexpectedly so. I did have to stretch my imagination to tie in the Eiffel Tower to this post! The Eiffel Tower happens to be a favorite of mine.

Adoption searches can lead you to different states or countries. One adoptee that I know found her birth family in Finland.

With a new year beginning soon, are you considering a search? Here are some beginning steps: 1. Register with... more

For anyone who celebrates the holiday, Merry Christmas! If you celebrate another holiday, I wish you good wishes for whatever holiday you do celebrate.

Some suggestions have been offered for Christmas presents for triad members. As a reunited mother, I have thought what could have made a difference to me over the years when my son and I were still apart. Photos and information about him would have been welcomed and cherished.

However, I think that best present that anyone can ever give a birth/first mother is... more

There is certainly adversity in anything and everything we may be involved in including adoption search and reunion or the adoption community. We have all suffered from our adoption issues but I think it is important to stop and find the things in our lives for which we are thankful for.

1. I am thankful for the wonderful husband I have and his devoted love and support to not just me but us and our life together.

2. I am thankful for all of my friends and family in and outside of the adoption community.

3. I am thankful that my parents... more

Although I didn't take the photo that accompanies this post, it is a spot in Switzerland that my dear husband and I have visited. I associate snow with Christmas - so that is the connection to this post. This spot was featured in a James Bond Movie several years ago. Holidays are stressful for most human beings. However, if you are separated from family members, that separation is more pointed because most of us perceive holidays as family time. Those missing members are even more evident during the holidays. During... more

T. and J. are a brother and sister living at Five Acres here in California. Their birth father and an uncle were recently located by Family Finders. Although their birth father is now in touch with them and visits regularly, he has some serious alcohol and other issues which prevent him from offering to bring them home to live with him. Ten other children that he has fathered also exist which undoubtedly complicates matters as well. When interviewed on camera, the birth father told his two children that he loves them, and is sorry for... more