Adoption Is For A Lifetime

Nancy was Canada's first foreign adoptee. She shares her fascinating story of how God orchestrated her adoption from Hong Kong, blessed her with wonderful parents, a loving husband, and in His faithfulness and healing presence, brought them through every struggle, especially the loss of their first daughter, Rebecca Joy. Despite the grief, Nancy shares how God turned their pain into joy and sorrow into victory. From what may have seemed like a tragedy to most, Nancy and her husband, Paul, now see how God used this great trial to prepare their hearts for the adoption of Joylin (5), their first precious daughter and their second, Saralin (1). Take a journey with Nancy, as she testifies of the abiding presence of our heavenly Father's heart for adoption. Nancy (Lai Kwan Chiu) was born in Hong Kong. At 3 years of age, she was adopted by Chinese parents and became Canada's first foreign adoptee. She lived with her parents and adopted brother, Gerry, in Montreal until she was 13, after which her family moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She graduated from college with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and eventually pursued a career in computer programming. Nancy, her husband, Paul, and adopted Chinese daughters, Joylin (5) and Sarlin (1) now live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she works as a computer programmer/systems analyst. She enjoys serving as head deacon at her local church and co-teaching an adult Sunday School class with Paul. Nancy's greatest passion, however, is being a mother to Joylin and Saralin, her pride and joy.

Based on the author's personal experience as a mother who lost a child through adoption and her experience as a social worker who has worked extensively in the area of post-adoption counselling with adults, this resource graphically describes the disenfranchised grief associated with adoption and suggests ways in which that hidden grief can be acknowledged and confronted.

Originally published in 1993, this classic piece of literature on adoption has revolutionised the way people think about adopted children. Nancy Verrier examines the life-long consequences of the 'primal wound' - the wound that is caused when a child is separated from its mother - for adopted people. Her argument is supported by thorough research in pre- and perinatal psychology, attachment, bonding and the effects of loss.

You Grew In Our Hearts is a real-life, question-and-answer hard cover book for adopted children.

Pollero and Hall offer a refreshingly new look at adoption, a decision with consequences that last a lifetime.

The words in A is for Adoption reflect 19 years of adoptive parent experience. This book explains adoption language with compassion and beauty using child friendly imagery. The rich illustrations bring sparkle and life to the words. This adoption book is meant to be a shared experience between parent and child. It will satisfy the natural curiosity the young child has about being adopted, and it will nurture and enrich the dialog of adoptive families. It is the hope of the author that the family will internalize the words and illustrations for a lifetime of meaning and memories. The language and illustrations will take on new meaning as the child and family grow in their understanding of what it means to be an adoptive family. The ABC format and vivid illustrations create a colorful, meaningful and sensitive explanation of adoption. It is a book every adoptive family will want in their library.

When to tell, What to tell, and How to tell Children who are adopted have predictable and often unspoken concerns about themselves and how they joined their families. In this wise and timely guide, Lois Melina, author of the classic manual Raising Adopted Children, helps parents anticipate and respond to those concerns in ways that build self-esteem. Through sample conversations, reassuring advice, and age-specific activities parents will find answers to such questions as: -- When should I give my child the letter her birthmother wrote? -- How do I share information that might upset my child? -- How can I know when my child is wondering about adoption? -- What should I tell school personnel about my child's history? What about family and friends? -- How can I be sure we talk about adoption enough, but not too much? Whether parents adopted traditionally, as stepparents, or through donor insemination, surrogacy, or in vitro fertilization, Making Sense of Adoption will open the door to a lifetime of growth and understanding for adoptive families.