[Cancer Survivors Welcome Here!]

I have been thinking about Rebecca a lot too and hoping all is well. Rebecca, you're such an inspiration, and I always keep you in my prayers! -- Dawn

[Suggested reading]

This isn't suggested reading, but a quote I came across recently and wanted to share, and this seems like the most logical thread in which to post it. In reading something for my book group last month, I came across this quote by the late writer John Dunne, from an essay he wrote called "Quintana," about his adopted daughter:

"All parents realize, or should realize, that children are not possessions, but are only lent to us, angel boarders, as it were. Adoptive parents realize this earlier and perhaps more poignantly than others."

I've had several friends who have adopted children describe to me having this precise realization very early on. Seems like an important thought for all parents to bear in mind, so I thought I'd share it.

[How Much Does It Cost To Raise a Child?]

Someone may have already posted this under another topic heading, but since I haven't seen it, I'll go ahead and post it here. This is an interesting article from Monday's edition of U.S. Today about more women/families placing children for adoption because of the economy, and it also focuses on open adoption:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-05-18-mother_N.htm

[NEW PARENTS NEEDED!]

My husband and I fit the description in the first post and we'll be mailing our application within the next 7-10 days, but I'm guessing we won't be able to come to orientation until March at the earliest. We look forward to working with Abrazo and getting to know you all through the forums!