Archive for November, 2015

Washington Post essay on adoption

Thursday, November 26th, 2015

For anyone who has waited for a child, fought for a child, loved a child, this Washington Post essay is for you. There are no simple answers. Only complexity.

Is She Happy? Is She Loved? Remembering the Girl Who Was Almost My Daughter by Sharon Van Epps

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“Guatemala” by Pete Sears

Thursday, November 19th, 2015

This 1990 video titled “Guatemala” by Pete Sears shows the country’s beauty and simplicity. But the footage also includes disturbing, graphic scenes from Guatemala’s violent past.  The images are haunting. The video was first shared by Sharon Smart-Pogue of Mayan Families.

 

 

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Adoption Awareness Month

Thursday, November 12th, 2015

November is Adoption Awareness Month, so lots of article on the subject are being published now. My thoughts on the one linked below: Yes. All true, for many. Some true, for all. Every child has his or her own journey and own truth. Every child is different.

I disagree with author Lisa Leontiades, however, when she calls her list “Hard Truths About Adoption Adoptive Parents Don’t Want to Hear.” To the contrary: We DO want to hear. That’s how we learn. Tell us, please. We’re listening.

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McFarland USA

Friday, November 6th, 2015

McFarland USA. Disney movie, out last February. But you know me, I’m a year behind in everything, and the kids and I finally watched the movie last night.

I love a good story about anyone who overcomes a challenge, especially when that challenge involves an athletic contest set to a rousing musical score. Briefly, McFarland USA is about a group of middle-school boys in California’s Central Valley, sons of migrant workers from Mexico, who are coached to cross-country greatness by Jim White, played by Kevin Costner.

Olivia, Mateo, and I loved McFarland USA. Afterward, as I sat drying my tears, I asked “What was the movie’s message?” and Mateo said, “There were so many.” (Very true!) But they settled on two: “Work hard.” and “Don’t give up.”

That’s takeaway enough for me, and worth sharing.

We got the DVD from the library, and I’m sure it’s available elsewhere, as well. See it, if you haven’t already. Inspiring.

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Kayaking Grandma

Wednesday, November 4th, 2015

I’ve been following the progress of Dr. Deb Walters, aka the “Kayaking Grandmother,” since July 2014, when she paddled off from her home in Maine and headed to Guatemala. Her intention is to raise awareness for “Safe Passage,” the organization founded by another Maine resident, the late Hanley Denning. (As you probably know, Safe Passage is the NGO that provides school support for children whose families survive by scavenging in Guatemala City’s garbage dump.)

On November 7, Dr. Deb Walters will be recognized by the United Nations as one of six “Rotary Global Women of Action.” She is the only person from North America to be so honored. In announcing the award, Rotary International President K.R. Ravindran noted Walters embodies the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.” Walters, a former president of Safe Passage, said she feels “humbled.”

The Kayaking Grandmother currently is in Florida, with a little less than 1,000 miles less to paddle. Congratulations and Buen Viaje!

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