My hope....

This weekend gave me hope, but also re-emphasized an important issue. I realized that even though we are spread all around the United States, there are still concentrations of us within each state. And how amazing that would be if we could all organize a way to strengthen our local adoptee communities. Yes, FB, twitter, emails and phone calls are great ways to stay connected, but I've come to realize the significance of the actual physical act of getting together that is so powerful. It re-energizes us as individuals to be in a room full of adoptees and gives us that unsaid support and understanding that is so crucial in our lives.

I want that for all adoptees, so they don't have to grow up like I did, without the community. As young adults it's easy to get lost in college and parties and work, but I've seen what bringing adoptee's together does, and its priceless....It's a need that everyone of us should want and have. So I hope if you are an adoptee and you're reading this, think of what can you do locally that will strengthen our community. What can you do for other younger adoptee's in your community to help them feel not so alone...It's about time we started thinking of each other as a huge extended family. And as a family we support, love and listen to each other.

My hope is that the friendships we create at camp, retreats, picnics, and get togethers, will be a part of our lives forever. And from that will grow a strong adoptee community all around the world.

I am....

I am a shade of yellow in a sea of white

I am an artist stuck in a mold

I am a women caged in a stereotype

I am an adoptee without a family

I am abandoned without a name

I am abandoned without a name...

I am a shell of someone I cannot relate to

I am ashamed of who I am..

I am screaming in a room full of strangers

I am alone, isolated and confused

I am unable to relate

I am an adoptee

I am breaking the barrier

I am finding the path

I am discovering the truth

I am fighting the stereotypes

I am looking for the community

I am growing strong in who I am

I am not alone.....

I am beautiful

I am smart

I am strong

I am an adoptee

I am unique

I am special

I AM NOT ALONE.....

Thank you....

In one instance, one event, one chance meeting and your life changes forever. That's how I feel about this past year. I could and would not be where I am if it had not been for one person, my husband. I would not have had the opportunities to start a journey I was too frightened and unsupported to begin. He opened up a door for me, one that I've been avoiding my entire life. He showed me what true unconditional love and trust means, and I can't begin to thank him enough for that.

He has given me an amazing opportunity to work for Holt this summer. A summer that will define who I am and what I will become. I have had the privilege of getting to know these strong, beautiful, talented, funny and unique people throughout the United States. I was all alone, and then I found this family, this amazing family, to draw strength, understanding and love from. They have trusted me and allowed me into their lives, a gift I can never truly repay them for. I can't thank you guys enough for what you have given me this past summer, it has changed the person I am, forever.

Only now, as I reflect back on the year, can I truly appreciate the courage it took to change paths, supported by an amazing, unconditional love. Thank you....Thank you.