What people said, 1999

“You must feel desperate.” “You must feel sorry for them.” “You must feel sorry for yourself.” “You must save them.” “They’re going to have so many more issues than a baby.” “The older they are the more problems you’ll have.” “Are you sure you can handle their history?” “You won’t have control over what they think.” “Do you think they’re even capable of loving you?”
--What people told me and my husband, in 1999, about our plans to adopt two older children

The Beginning: Real World Adopt

I am in the process of building a website called Real World Adopt. The site is devoted to real world news and views (mostly views) on everything having to do with adoption from the kids, the parents, and the pros.

I'd like to hear from as many people who have been touched by adoption as I can. I want to hear stories up to 900 words that use adoption as a springboard or a landing place, stories of change, humor, transformation, surprise, disappointment and hope--and know others will, too.

The site is seeking vivid, honest prose in the form of personal stories and essays, and commentary/opinion. There are plenty of sites devoted to helping families and giving support to parents who are trying to do the best for their kids. Even more are devoted to legal advice, all aspects of health, attachment and bonding. These existing sites and forums address those issues quite well. Real World Adopt is something quite different.

Let's get the word out about this new online salon and community and help it reach around the world. Submit your stories at realworldadopt@att.net. Then forward this information on to others. Let Real World Adopt give all our amazing stories a unique and exciting platform for all the world to know.

In the meantime, I'll be posting my stories here. Feel free to comment with yours.