Children come into the foster care and adoption systems for many different reasons. Mothers do not give up their children lightly. For every child happily placed into a home, there is a birth mother who grieves.
Mee Mee was born on August 26th. Gregory’s birthday is July 5th. Since they were born in South Korea which is basically a day ahead of Pacific Standard Time in California, I always think of their birth mothers the day before their birthdays. I wonder how they are. Have they gone on to live happy lives? Do they still think of the children they placed for adoption and wonder how they are? When we traveled to Seoul, my children wrote a note to their birth mothers sharing what their lives are like here in the United States. These letters are tender and thankful but also wistful. Wonder if either birth mother has returned to the adoption agency and asked about their children? That’s one of the things about adoption. There are many unknowns.
Every Year on Your Birthday by Rose Lewis (author) and Jane Dyer (illustrator) is a favorite book of ours. It tells the story of a Chinese girl from the adoptive mother’s viewpoint. In simple yet lyrical text combined with soft and lovely illustrations, the story of this daughter unfolds as her birthday is celebrated each year. The journey to adopt and bring her home unfolds as Chinese traditions are shared. It ends with “Every year on your birthday, we look up at the stars and remember your Chinese family. They are a part of our family now, and I hope somehow they feel the magic of your love too.” Just beautiful.
evelyneholingue says
Simply moving, Claire. Your adoption series is really excellent and I have discovered more books on the topic than I knew existed. Thank you again.
Cynthia says
Thanks for sharing, Claire. I enjoyed hearing about your adoptions when we met. Another children’s book I read that I like that is about adoption is Grace Lin’s The Red Thread.
Claire Annette Noland says
Hi Cynthia,
I put The Red Thread on my “to read” list. Thanks for the suggestion!
Claire Annette Noland says
Thanks, Evelyne. There is so much to think about when adopting a child. And, we must never forget the birth mothers who made it possible.