Missing the world
Yesterday Olivia said, “I miss the world.” And I said, “Honey, I do, too.” So this afternoon, masked and armed with hand sanitizer, we drove over the bridge to Golden Gate Park–Olivia, Tim, and I–and met two friends from our circumscribed pod, Susan H. and her daughter, M. We ambled through the Botanical Gardens–Where I’d never been! after 20 years in the Bay Area!–watched skate-boarders and street musicians, held our collective breath for a girl on a unicycle. We miss the world, still. But today the air was clear. The sky was blue. We saw good friends. We’re ready for tomorrow.
In conversation with Woven Together
On Tuesday, September 22 (tomorrow!) at 8 PM Eastern time, I’ll be in conversation with Woven Together, discussing my family’s experience with international adoption. Registration link on Eventbrite is here. Admission is by donation; any amount is fine. Woven Together serves all sides of the adoption triad, with a mission that includes education. I appreciate their deep understanding of the subject. Should be a good chat ~ Eventbrite registration.
Back to school
Our first week of distance learning was a success. I’m proud of my HS sophomore and senior–(sophomore! senior!!! what?!?)–for their good attitudes and adaptability. (Not sure I would do so well, actually.) No first day of school pix this year–they’re 18 and 15, enough said. But I found this gem from 12 years ago. xoxo
Anthem
When our kids were little, we attended Heritage Camp for Adoptive Families every summer. Heritage Camp is a long weekend of presentations, workshops, and fun in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, specifically geared toward different adoptive family groups–Latin American, Chinese, Russian/Eastern European, Korean, African/Caribbean. And every year on the last morning of camp, as we gathered to say our final goodbyes, somebody sat center stage with a guitar and sang John McCutcheon’s anthem “Happy Adoption Day.” I couldn’t see through my own tears, but I’m guessing there wasn’t a parent in that room who wasn’t crying. Adoption is complicated. No one understands that better than the people involved in it. Adoption begins with loss. But in this song, we celebrate the joys of adoption. The wonder of our beautiful and cherished children, the miracle of our coming together. Heritage Camp for Adoptive Families was cancelled this summer. But thanks to the talented counselors and family of Korean Heritage Camp 2020, we can still hear our anthem and listen to these words: “For out of a world so tattered and torn,You came to our house on that wonderful morn.And all of sudden, this family was born.Oh, Happy Adoption Day.” xoxo Happy Adoption Day by John McCutcheon
18!
Olivia is 18! We celebrated Covid-style, in our house with just us four (five including Charlie). I’m proud of the young woman Olivia has become: strong-willed and independent, perceptive and artistic. I stand in awe of Olivia’s quiet self-confidence, her ability to navigate any situation, her willingness to see the best in others. May this be the beginning of a beautiful adulthood. We love you, Liv!