Well as I talked about in yesterdays post, I was busy doing my reading at the local library of the book “Forever Fingerprints” by Sherrie Eldridge, and now I will describe about how that did, or did not, go over.

We arrived early, set up chairs and colorful floor pillows for the kids to sit on. I tied the provided balloons on all the chairs. I arranged a display of adoption related books on a center table (the facility has some rather slim pickins here.) Then I waited for the crowds to descend upon me. I know I personally invited about 5 or 6 adoptive families I am familiar with, mind you none are in open adoptions though. Perhaps they are more intimidated by my often contact-preachy self than I had imagined? I sure hope not. I don’t intend to judge the differences in each of our children’s adoptions (as I well know with three children, every adoption is unique.) The day was supposed to be about learning and sharing, no matter how our experiences differ.

The reading was really somewhat of a fizzle though. I had one very nice adoptive mom with her two beautiful children, and my friend and her three amazing kiddos show up, so at least it was not a completely empty room. I suppose I expected more of a crowd, but then the newspaper did quote me a lot about the how the book addresses the importance of birthparents, so perhaps not enough people knew what to make of that. I did learn something though, from my two moms who came and their wonderful children.



The fellow adoptive mom, was very nice indeed. Her two children, the oldest who was adopted, were so very sweet and enthusiastic about hearing the book. They were very open to share some of their own experiences with adoption, and were very receptive to the concept of the book. They also seemed interested in making the connection to the value of birthparents for our children, even though they had limited information in their own situation. It was encouraging to me to see people who might not have had access to a lot of info, and who had perhaps not had the option of openness, still talking wonderfully, lovingly and openly about honoring birthparent connections. That was one big positive for me.

The other big positive was having my wonderful friend bring her children. I didn’t know she was coming, so it was a complete surprise, and a super one. This mom is honestly one of the few of the regular mom set (her kids are not adopted) who seems to accept me as a “real” mom, just like herself. I admit I had a really rough night with Cierra the evening before, and to see her show up for me meant more than I think she knows. A “real” friend she is, in the truest sense of the word, and she has taken care of my Carson so much she is his official third mom!

So no, not a total fizzle, but just the right mix for my day. Sure I would have liked to share this great book with others in the local adoption community, but perhaps another chance will present itself.

I am hosting a Giveaway of this book, so please leave a comment on the original Giveaway post, anytime now through November 30th, for a chance to WIN!

Adoption Day Giveaway Has Arrived!

Photos: © 2007 Deb Donatti