I actually gasped when I read what you wrote about the aunt who passed away during your visit. I am profoundly sorry that that happened. Cannot imagine how you must have felt.

The guilt almost killed me. Been in adoption trauma therapy for almost 3 yrs. The guilt was what made me reach out for help. Happy to say I'm a much more emotionally healthy person than I was when I started. But there are days when that guilt creeps back in. I will always wish I could do it over.

Unless you're me. I'm the worst cook on the planet! A foreign language would probably be easier for me. 😂

Now that all four of them have passed away, I realize how I cheated myself out of what I needed, and what my birth parents needed as well. I would do it so much differently today. If only I had the chance. That's why I said people should listen to what you wrote. You know what you're talking about.

The reunions actually went well. My parents weren't married to each other either. It was what to do after I met them that was the hard part. All of the parents were still alive, so it was like trying to walk a tightrope of not hurting anybody else's feelings, while totally ignoring my own.

Firstly, that was a beautiful article. Thank you for sharing it. Learn whatever it takes for you to feel more connected to your Homeland. Whether it be language, learning to cook the foods of your country, cultural celebrations, wrap yourself in the things that were taken away from you.

Great advice! Wish you had been around 40 years ago when I had my reunion. I had no one but myself to lean on, no advice, no one to talk to. I can highly recommend your tips to anyone who is heading towards reunion. Honestly, reading this helped me to understand some things all these years later.

Laura, I don't have the answer. Moses Farrow, who is on Blue Sky would have a lot more information. These charts came from him. California has a very large population in general, so you could be on the right track.

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All parents, families, and allies are welcome to join this alliance. When our children are at risk, all of us are affected. We are stronger together to meet their cries.

🥚🧵 4/ This meeting is also for all allies:

Lawyers, Investigators

Researchers, Journalists

Community activists

Event planners

Writers, Content creators

Neighbors, Friends & Relatives

Planners and Strategists

Coordinators and Networkers

🥚🧵3/ The meeting is for:

Parents and families whose child has been killed in foster care or permanent placement, “loving forever home” in the U.S.

Allies are welcome and needed! Everyone can be an ally in this fight for justice and prevent these crimes against children.

🥚🧵2/ Register here:

Allies in Justice Community Meeting

Date: Sep 13th

www.eventbrite.com/e/allies-in-...

It hit hard, but it is so true. Congratulations on having it published. And thank you for sharing it with us.