American Academy of Adoption Attorneys Conference 2015

I am at the American Academymof Adoption Attorneys annual conference in St. Pete Beach, Florida. I came to network and mingle with the best adoption attorneys across the United States - and I was not disappointed. They are dedicated to their profession and the birth and adoptive families they represent. I am honored to be called a colleague. 

I also had the opportunity to spend time with the exhibitors, representing agencies, Internet sites, financial coaches, surrogacy and embryo programs and other adoption related services. Again, I am impressed with the extent of support and assistance to those pursuing surrogacy or adoption. 

Today was the last day of the Confence and I built in a few hours before I had to catch a flight back to New York. There's a balmy breeze and soft music playing in the background. - Black headed and tailed seagulls swooping in to grab any morsel available and the cutest chameleon on the white picket fence about 6 inches from me.....This is the life. 

And, yet, back in New York is my other life. it always amazes me how when I travel I can't wait to get home. Guess that's a good thing. I miss my family and feel so far away. Yes, we have stayed in touch through texting and phone calls, but it's not the same. Of course, I also know - about 20 minutes after arriving home and starting to sort through mail and checking what's left in the fridge - I will long for the ocean view I have now. 

It reminds me of that feeling while waiting for Interstate Compact Clearance to bring my daughters home so many years ago. I yearned to get home, but knew taking care of an infant in the hotel without phone calls, mail or visitors was a gift. I knew as soon as I got home life would descend. I couldn't wait. I wanted that more. I called the attorney every few hours convinced I could get home before the end of the week - and I was lucky to get that wish. 

So, as I prepare myself for life back in New York City - with family responsilities, homestudies and post placements, and consultations and counseling appointments - I shall savor the last few hours of sun and warmth as a wiggle my toes in the white sand beneath them. 

Can't wait to get home !!!!!! 

Kathy Ann Brodsky, LCSW is New York and New Jersey licensed social worker, adoptive mom and advocate for ethical adoption practice. She has prepared thousands of adoption homestudies, counseled adoptive parents and parents-to-be, and has trained professionals to work with adoptive families. She was Director of the Ametz Adoption Program from March 1992 to March 2015. She is Head Writer for Adoption.net, on the Adoption Advisory Board of Path2Parenthood and has a private practice in New York City. She was named an “Angel in Adoption” by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption in 2001, Follow or reach her at ADOPTION MAVEN BLOG or EMAIL.