As I mentioned in several previous posts, Beth is now home for school, learning through the K12 curriculum—virtual school. We have been assigned an “education specialist” to assist us as we tackle this new way of learning. I had a chance to visit with him yesterday.


Turns out he has a daughter about 2 months older than Beth. He’s also not too much younger than me, and … here’s the really interesting part … he is the oldest of 11 children, the last seven of whom were adopted through foster care. His siblings were the foster kids who stayed … His youngest brother is 8 … just a hair younger than his own son! His folks are in their 60’s, and still live nearby. My guess is the 8-year-old boy is not the only child they are still parenting!


So, once again, how is it that I find these folks, or they find me? Did the guy who assigned this education specialist to my family know about his family? I doubt it. This man lives very close to me, so I suspect he was assigned based on geographic location. This subject arose because he wondered why we were starting virtual school this late in the year. A valid question! He wanted to know, “Is there a story here?” You betcha, there’s a story here. I told him about ATN and my family’s journey and he was most definitely a receiver. He has seen the trials and tribulations of his brothers and sisters.


This Monday there is a bowling opportunity for homeschooled kids, so we are going to meet in person at that event. I hope our girls hit it off. I also told him about a “Home Alone” Parks and Recreation class I just signed Beth up to attend in mid-November. It is a class geared for 9-11 year olds who are just starting to stay by themselves for brief periods of time. While Beth is learning when it is an emergency and when it isn’t, I’ll be getting a massage—my Christmas present from Amy last year. Although Amy spent too much money on presents, she did a good job of thinking about personal gifts.


I notice that I have an adult adoptee commenting on several blogs and taking issue with my parenting approach and my candor about my family. The irony is, I am increasingly drawn to adult adoptees and have a desire to help them navigate issues they might not have had the opportunity or willingness to address in the past. I really have a heart for all members of the triad who are in pain—most especially the populations with whom I am most familiar—adoptive parents and adoptees.


Adults with attachment issues

More about adult adoptees


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