Summer's long gone, and for some parts of the country that means snow and chilly weather. For us Californians, winter is generally little different from summer. The big difference is that rain in the summer here is almost non-existent. Even in the winter, rain is not common. We celebrate the rain here because it is such a treat for us.

Adoption searching is my topic here, and I know that this time of the year is particularly difficult for people separated by adoption. Mention of that fact will likely come up in several of my blogs at this time of the year. There is no denying that for people longing to reunite, all the family hoopla may bring up thoughts of the "other" family, or the other child (the relinquished child.)

I want to offer some encouragement to anyone during the holidays in the midst of a search or an especially trying reunion. Good reunion relationships require amazing amounts of patience, energy and time. Rarely do they happen overnight, but they do happen.

I know of many reunions that have had some extremely bleak times, but ultimately have developed into relationships that are strong ones. There is so much baggage going into a reunion, and so many potential pitfalls. If both parties are determined though, good reunion relationships do exist. Reunions can be extremly satisfying and positive experiences.

If your reunion is not yet where you would like it to be, I hope that you can learn to appreciate what you do have, and understand that there is hope for the future for your relationship to improve.

As for those still searching, know that reunions happen often. The time for yours might be just around the corner. Know that it will be worth the wait. Some searches take longer than others, but maybe there is some cosmic reason for yours taking so long. A new year is around to descend upon us, and I hope many more reunions will happen in the near future!