If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
If you have something to say...
Say it on the Huffington Post
The Blog
Becoming a mom changes your life, and sometimes as a result you are propelled to change the world. Elaine Hall is one of those mothers.
Whatever it is that keeps our daughter's mother at a distance, she made our family. And that's the one thing my child and all her parents know for sure.
A life that began in destitution and illness in Ethiopia leads to a new home and family in the US -- and a role playing Jennifer Lopez' son in her latest film.
The experience of adopting has given me a unique perspective on motherhood, teaching me some new truths, and reinforcing what I believe to be true about parenting
I have come to realize that if real change is going to happen -- if I want real happiness and fulfillment in my life -- I must let go of this familiar, known, comfortable way of being. I must let go of all the things I "know" I can and cannot do.
There are many men in America today, married and single, gay and straight, who mother their children every day. Motherhood is not about who one is; instead, it is about what one does.
When humans offer allomothering to other species, it often requires remarkable adaptability and advocacy. It's natural to love one's birth child. But what if the creature you are trying to mother is covered with hair, or bites you, or claws you, or has a grasping tail?
Joan's mom died about a year before Joan's troubles began. Her pregnancy, jail time and homelessness began after her once life-long guardian was no longer there to protect her.
My daughter is fractional shares of English and Irish and Dutch and Russian and German. But she's also Chinese.
Today, courage and strength have replaced love and desire as the most important characteristics for people who take on the international adoption process. The expected 18- to 24-month adoption process has turned into a maddening and unnecessary four or five year ordeal.
At this moment in time, I'm an author, a job title as inspired and dreamy as a veterinarian, fire fighter, plumber, or Dolly Madison truck driver.
I can think of dozens of instances, especially during the recent economic downturn, when single parents have struggled tremendously to provide for their children.
Back in the 1950s, most Hollywood stars didn't have the opportunity, willingness or communication tools to stand publicly for something they believed in. In that way, Yvonne Fedderson and Sara O'Meara broke new ground.
Bubba's wife and son couldn't make the Masters ceremony. Instead they get the rest of their lives to have Bubba in his role as an adoptive dad. It's not as exclusive as being a Masters winner but in making any impact on the world, it's more important.
Anyone considering or in the midst of an adoption should know that several IRS policies and dollar limits for adoption tax credits and exclusions have changed for 2012.
