Katy, Tim & Callie,
I know you all from living in Mystic when Katy was adopted. Our families worshiped together at St. Mark's, until my family changed parishes. I am in the process of adopting two little girls, sisters, from Chicago, who are African American. Your family came into my mind and heart during workshop I was attending on Transracial adoption.
The workshop leader is a professor from University of Chicago, who has done extensive research in this area, and who herself is mixed race, and was adopted in the 70's by a single Caucasian mom, who was a social worker. At one point they moved to Wisconsin, and she experienced being one of the only black girls in her school, town, etc. And then in college when she was in a more diverse environment, she experienced challenges around cultural fluency (more on this to follow).
I would like to begin a dialogue with you two, Katy, and perhaps Steve, friend of mine who is African American and who was also adopted by a Caucasian couple in the 70's. This dialogue can be quite informal, questions posed, time given for reflection, and your responses.
Though, as I ponder this I am aware that these exchanges may be of tremendous use to others currently traveling down the road of transracial adoption. And though some of your experiences could be influenced by the era you were in, some are profoundly universal.
One format this could take is a blog that could be limited to posting by just us. This way we could all see our responses and comment as well. But, it would be visible though to others. Is that too open a forum? If so, we can try another format. Perhaps just email. Other ideas?
I am excited and daunted, by the possibility of venturing down this path with you all. I feel a book could be in the future (good way to scare everyone off, huh!) No, please consider the power of sharing your truth...you all made maverick choices, and lived through the consequences. I would be honored if you would now reflect on them, and share.
dm
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