With the exception of a few adoptees, everyone I met at the retreat had relinquished a child to adoption. There were a couple of birth/first moms who were also adoptive moms as well. At least two attorneys are active members, and I know mothers who are nurses, college professors, social workers and teachers. What else? There is a real estate agent, a flight attendant and a lobbyist. Ah, yes, I forgot Sandy Musser, our token convicted felon!

After Sandy Musser was introduced, it was mentioned that she is a true example of "walking the walk" as far as family preservation is concerned. Sandy has a two year old, cherubic-like grandson with a killer smile and curly blonde hair. She had a photo of him, and he is one seriously adorable little tyke. His mother is unable to raise him now, so his great grandmother (Sandy)is parenting him now.

Since they announced Sandy's age in front of the whole group; it is no secret. She is 67 years and raising her "little guy" as she called him. Sandy did not stay for the whole retreat, because she wanted/needed to get home to her grandson. I only spoke to her for a few minutes, but she made such an impression on me. And of course, her story is inspiring on many fronts as well.

Another notable birth mother at the retreat was a kindly white haired lady who is currently searching for her 65 year old daughter! Does that old chant, "Birthmothers never forget" come to mind when you hear about a birth mom in her 80's who still has not forgotten about her child?

This witty, but fragile 80 year old mother was sitting on the front row during a session and introduced to us. We were told not to get her too excited though, as she only had a limited supply of oxygen with her! I kid you not. Although she was cracking jokes and terribly funny, she did have her oxygen with her!