Fall 2006
THISTLEDOWN

A quarterly publication of Red Thistle Adoptions
PO Box 5428, Salem, OR 97304 * 503/508-9251 redthistleadoptions@yahoo.com


AGENCY HIGHLIGHT: Jack's Story

My husband Todd and I always thought of adoption as something to pursue in the future. But that changed with the sudden emergency birth of our son Trey at 28 weeks, his death a few weeks later, and being told we could not have any more children. Months later, I filled out an online profile at an adoption referral service and forgot about it. One day an email arrived with the subject line: Baby boy due in a few weeks. We emailed back, but Todd worried about getting our hopes up. However, I believed with all my heart, this baby was meant for us.
   
I called Beverly at Red Thistle Adoptions at 7:00am and she answered! We talked for an hour trying to determine if we could get a home study report done in time. By 9:00am, I was on the road to drop off the application and Criminal History Checks (CHC). We spoke for a couple hours and she laid out what was needed. Get a physical, update dog’s shots, have home study visit, write life stories, fill this and that out, get friends to fill this and that out, call bank, renew driver’s license, etc. Todd and I stayed up half the night for days getting it done. 

Four days later we spoke by phone with the birthmother. We shook as we answered her questions and tried to sound like Parents of the Year. The call was to only last 15 minutes. After we hung up, we went over what was brilliant and what we had blown. The phone rang moments later. “Congratulations!” We couldn’t believe the birthmother had chosen us and needed so little time to decide.

We called everybody to share our unexpected news. We were moving the next week. We frantically packed, had the home study visit, moved, unpacked, cleaned, and packed again. On Saturday, we left for Kansas with our four and two year olds in tow.
On Sunday we met the birthmother and spent several days with her. She was past her due date fortunately, because our CHCs still hadn’t come back. Tuesday she was to be induced, but it didn’t work. She called the next afternoon from the birthing center in full labor. I said, “I’m coming. I’ll sit in the waiting room if you want, but I’m coming right now.” When I arrived, her door was open. I was there when Jack was born. What a miracle birth is!

An adopted baby’s birth does not end the story or the worry. You just get to worry about whether the birthmother will change her mind or if your home study report will get done. The next morning we met with the birthmother and our attorney to sign paperwork. Afterwards we planned to meet the birthmother’s parents for breakfast. Before we left, we called Beverly. She had just spoken with DHS—the missing CHCs were found. She could finish the home study report. Not one minute too soon or too late.
After receiving ICPC clearance, we trekked back to Oregon. Late planes, crowded airports, and cranky people couldn’t ruin our happiness. We think about Trey, but Jack is not his replacement. Trey was our beautiful baby, who is now with God. Jack is the robust, gorgeous, and healthy miracle baby in our arms; and we will be forever grateful.
BRINGING UP BABY: Parenting is Hard Work

Don’t let parenting get you down. Here are some habits that promote good health and razor-sharp minds.

  • Keep your mind sharp by learning something new every day, like a new language or hobby
  • Have a positive attitude. It can actually boost your immune system and make the day go better
  • Maintain healthy and close relationships and stay connected with family and friends
  • Spend time alone each day while you soak in the tub, pray, listen to music, meditate, or journal
  • Incorporate cardiovascular activities and strength training into your weekly schedule, your mind and body will thank you
  • Eat a diet rich in antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, proteins, and whole grains
  • Simplify your lifestyle by reducing household clutter, over scheduling, and ubiquitous to do lists

UPCOMING EVENTS:You’ll be glad you went

A Eugene Information Meeting for those interested in adopting and for Red Thistle families to get together is planned for Saturday, January 6, 2007, from 10:00 am–noon. Executive Director Beverly Brainard and Rebecca Tuazon, Attorney at Law, will discuss the home study process and answer questions. The meeting will be held at Norkenzie Christian Church, 2530 Crescent Avenue, Eugene, Oregon (541/485-8564). Please invite your friends and be prepared to share your adoption story.

For more information call Red Thistle Adoptions at 503/508-9251.

The Shoulder to Shoulder 2006 Conference: A Vision for the Future will be held on November 16, 2006 at the Oregon Convention Center. The Keynote Address by Jane Malpass and Jane Thompson will be “My head is Full of Children.” Workshops related to foster parenting and adoption issues will be offered.

For more information go to https://dhstraining.hr.state.or.us or call 503/872-5598.


FOR YOUR INFO: Adoption Assistance is Available

The National Adoption Foundation (www.nafadopt.org) provides financial assistance, services and support to families, before, during and after their adoptions are finalized. Shaohannah’s Hope (www.shaohannahshope.org) is dedicated to helping prospective Christian families overcome the financial barriers associated with adoption. God’s Grace Adoption Ministry (www.ggam.org) serves Christian adoptive families with financial aid. Gift of Adoption Fund (www.giftofadoption.org)  provides financial assistance in the form of grants to adoptive parents. Kingdom Kids Adoption Ministries (www.kingdomkidsadoption.org) helps families finance adoption through fundraising grants. Also visit Adoptive Families website (www.adoptivefamilies.com) for information on all aspects of adoption including financial.
RED THISTLE ADOPTIONS considers it a privilege to provide adoption counseling while families work through the home study process and post-placement period for both domestic and international adoptions. All services are provided in a speedy, stress free, and non-threatening manner as possible.
If you would like to receive the Thistledown Newsletter by email or want to learn more about Red Thistle Adoptions, please visit our website at www.redthistleadoptions.com, call 503/508-9251, or send an email to bev@redthistleadoptions.com.