In a recent post by Nancy at the Attachment blog, she gave a link to the website of one Sherrie Eldridge, adoption author and public speaker. I visited and was very pleased with what I found there. I would highly recommend the information for all members of the triad who are seeking to understand the perspectives of adoptees, birthparents, and adoptive parents. There were also resources available at the website that could be deemed very helpful for those of us involved in open adoptions.

Sherrie, author of several books including, “Twenty Life-Transforming Choices Adoptees Need to Make” and the children’s book “Forever Fingerprints” is an adoptee herself, and she provides some wonderful insights into the experiences of adoption, no matter where we might find ourselves in the triad. Her overwhelming message is one of peace, healing, and learning centered in a Christian philosophy.

One of the most interesting things that I found there, were the free, downloadable workbooks she has developed. There are several of them, each with a different focus, but all designed to guide greater understanding and healing in the adoption process. I found one or two that I believe could be very useful between adoptive and birthfamilies to promote dialog and develop a deeper understanding of each others unique experience.

“Beauty For Ashes - A Healing Journey For The Adoption Triad” is one of the workbooks that appears to offer some very constructive guidance for healing and understanding between the triad members. The pages take some biblical text, and the story of Moses, mixed with quotes from well known adoption authors, among others, and prompts discussions from each member of the triad. Readers can fill in responses to the quotes and excerpts, and use that to springboard discussion in their own setting. I am going to print this one to fill out myself, and send a blank copy to members of my children’s birthfamilies. Hopefully this can help us uncover some of the reasons behind the recent difficulties we have experienced.

I have to say thanks to Nancy for tuning me in to this website, and author Sherrie Eldridge. That Nancy always knows where to find the best stuff! Very interesting information! I have not been able to read any of Sherrie Eldridge’s books yet, but I am planning on getting a copy of one or more (have not decided which ones yet) and may possibly do a review here in the coming months.

Oh, and an added *bonus is that the publishers of "Forever Fingerprints" EMK Press, is offering to send two free copies of the book to any adoptee who will schedule a reading at their local library on November 17th, 2007, National Adoption Day!

Photo: Sherrie Eldridge