Whether you follow rituals from your own childhood or establish new ones, one truth remains the same: Traditions are what memories are made of. Here, four families share their stories.
“Until the Real Thing Comes Along”
After adopting in mid-life, I found I welcomed the role of single parent. Perhaps this is because I can deal only with one big relationship at a time, and my daughter takes up all the room.
“Support by the Book Club”
A book club to read about our children’s birth cultures became a support group, a forum to discuss the similar parenting issues we were facing.
“Our Dog Helped My Daughter Realize Family Is Forever”
Hugging our new dog, my daughter learns that no matter what the behavior, our family is forever.
[Book Excerpt] Mamalita
Read a chapter of Jessica O’Dwyer’s adoption memoir Mamalita.
“A Last-Minute Birth Mother Reunion”
Heritage trips help children discover their past — and influence who they become. Here, one family describes their journey back to their child’s birth country of Korea.
“Is That Your REAL Brother?”
A Korean adoptee shares her experience growing up in a conspicuous family.
“I Adopted My Parents!” An Adoptee’s Story
A child adopted from Guatemala shares her thoughts on adoption and family.
“In the Company of Heroes”
Janis Cooke Newman asks herself, “Am I overdoing this adoption thing?”
“The Final Step”
A mother is surprised at her tears when, standing in a courtroom, that last bit of red tape comes unstuck.
“Connecting with a Culture”
A mother weaves a strand between her child’s Guatemalan heritage and her Arab ethnicity.
“Embracing Differences”
Why should I try to make my son feel ‘the same’? Why shouldn’t I learn to be more like him?
“Changing My Name to Mom”
As she prepares for the adoption of her third child, the author knows it is not just she who must be ready, but also the 9-year-old girl she’s fallen in love with.
“How Do I Manage as a Single Mother?”
Yes, solo parenting is hard work. But the freedom is good, too.
“Ready-to-Parent”
The “Daddy Moment” hits in the middle of the baby emporium.
“A Quilt for my Daughter”
By contributing squares filled with a prayer, blessing, hope, or dream, my friends and family became part of our adoption.
“First Paperwork, Then Spring Rolls”
Food has always drawn my family together. While I wait for my daughter, I’ll begin reaching out to her in the best way I know — through cooking.
“Raising Our Daughters, Special Needs and All”
They’ll each face different issues in their lives. But my daughters will get through them together, as real sisters.
“Writing Through the Wait”
On the long journey to adoption, a journal can record the milestones and detours, as well as your first rush of love for your child.
“Mr. Mom, for Now”
A temporary stay-at-home dad muses on the finer points of baby care.