“Bottom line is, even if you see them coming, you're not ready for the big moments. No one asks for their life to change, not really. But it does.
So, what are we, helpless? Puppets? Nah. The big moments are gonna come, you can't help that. It's what you do afterwards that counts. That's
when you find out who you are." - Joss Whedon

Monday, May 24, 2010

Grief Groups by Tara

The following has been posted on the support page, but I wanted to be sure everyone saw it, so here it is. 

Unresolved grief can affect the relationship between adoptive parents and birth mothers, but more importantly can also affect the relationship between adoptive parents and their child. For those of you who might still be working through feelings of grief surrounding infertility, miscarriage, or the loss of a child we want to provide you with the resources you need. As a result we would like to start a monthly grief support group. The group would meet on the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. The decision to hold the group will be based on need. So if you are interested in such a group please RSVP to the Renton office.

Grief group has been added to our monthly calendar and is a WONDERFUL resource that is being offered to you at no charge. If you are uncomfortable with a group like setting feel free to make mention and arrange a private session.

Education Opportunity - Guest Speaker

Dear adoption friends,

I'm so pleased to be able to invite you to an adoption event Saturday June 5 from 3:00 - 4:30. There will be a guest speaker who will be showing a brief presentation:  "Across the Adoption Spectrum / Insights from Adoptees and their Families" in Renton. Here's some information:

Across the Adoption Spectrum / Insights from Adoptees and their Families

Presenter: Teresa Kelleher (adoptive mom, teacher, author of several adoption-specific language sets and a new book, "Snowflakes, a Flurry of Adoption Stories by, for and about Children and Teens" -- more info below)

Who is invited?
All who have connections to and interest in foster care and/or adoption. Appropriate for pre- and post-adoption parents and teens, as well as those who wish to support them in the adoption journey (prospective foster/adoptive parents, adopted teens and young adults and their parents, agencies, counselors, and teachers, etc.).

What? adoption presentation (basic information about adoption, a few statistics about orphanage "graduates" and those who have "aged out" of foster care, question & answer about adoption topics (any/all topics of interest to the group can be addressed), insights from young adoptees on their experiences before, during, and after adoption. The presenter will also make signed copies of her books available for purchase.

When? Saturday June 5, 2010  from 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Where? The Renton Office: 220 South Third Place Renton WA

I hope you'll accept this invitation. Please invite your families, staff, and any/all who are friends of foster care and adoption.  A meaningful adoption education experience is guaranteed.  This will count as 1 1/2 hours towards your required 10 hours of adoption education!

Snowflakes, a Flurry of Adoption Stories by, for and about children and teens. 200+ stories of adoption, many submitted by kids ages 8 - 19. Perfect for families before, during and after adoption to learn what to expect. Viewpoints from the perspective of children and teens as well as their families. Powerful information: the happy, the sad, the challenging, and the delightful!Unique. Honest. Sensitive. Beautiful. A precious keepsake for adoptees and their families.

Snowflakes, a Flurry of Adoption Stories was reviewed in the June 2010 issue of Adoptive Families magazine:

“Adopted children, ...and family members share their points of view on adoption, family, and relationships in this satisfying collection of essays. The book is divided into four sections: stories by young adoptees; teens’ stories; stories for new and prospective parents; and stories from families who successfully adopted older children and children with special needs. Children of all ages, adopted domestically and from abroad, as infants and as older kids, share a range of experiences, from meeting new siblings to missing birth family.

The adoptees’ points of view—the soul of Snowflakes—offer glimpses of lives before, during, and after adoption. The stories they tell, and the advice they offer, resonate...[adoption] themes are most powerful when they are expressed by children.”
                ~ Judith Frist, Adoptive Families magazine (June 2010)

Available on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and on my web site: http://Worknotes.com/AZ/AdoptingFromRussia/Kelleher
Questions? tk.pacifica@gmail.com