GIVING THANKS

Memorial Day is the time when most people think of those who have sacrificed for our freedom and way of life.  My connection includes that of my dad and his brother who served in WWII. I had friends whose older brothers served in the Vietnam War and my daughters have peers who have served recently. I work with families who have members who are actively defending our country.  Many years ago, I worked at the Veterans Administration. It was an eye opening insight into the effects war can have on the onset of anxiety, stress and uncertainty.

But it also makes me think of others who live with anxiety and uncertainty - who defend their choice to make personal decisions. In the adoption world that includes birth and adopting parents. Birth parents choose to provide a better life for their children and adoptive parents choose to take on that responsibility.

So on this Memorial Day - I thank not only the men, women, canine corps and their families, but all the men and woman who made it possible for me and so many others to live their dreams in a country full of freedom and personal choices.

Kathy Ann Brodsky, LCSW is a 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 of JCCA from March 1992 to March 2015, was Head Writer for Adoption.net, a member of the Advisory Board for POV’s Adoption Series She is currectly a member of the Adoption Advisory Board of Path2Parenthood and active in the Adoptive Parents Committee in New York, where she has a private practice specializing in adoption and adoptive parenting. 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.