Sunshine The Movie

www.sunshinethemovie.com

I had the opportunity to watch a documentary film called Sunshine. I was very moved by this documentary. This movie shows first hand how the world of adoption is growing and changing. Check it out!

In 1975 an unwed pregnant girl enters a home for unwed mothers to hide her pregnancy and give her baby up for adoption. Feeling that was just what you were to do in 1975 we see now years later how the daughter she gave up for adoption repeats history by herself becoming an unwed mother. But instead of hiding away in nunnery, she has the option of keeping her baby, and rather than being an unwed mother, she’s now referred to as a single mother. Along with that we see how now she is able to expand the traditional definition of family to include her birth mother and her extended family.

As part of CAF’s mission to advocate and educate to the world our love for children and adoption it’s so vital to hear stories like this. Here we see where a child is reunited with her birthmother. They are able to bond and develop a relationship. While we also see how two woman become mothers together in their own roles. One as the mom who raised the child, who feels all ownership to that child regardless of their genetic ties. Then we have one who is gracious to have been given the opportunity to know the baby she gave up at birth is ok and that the decision she made for her was a good one.

This story has so many positive points- a birthmother knew she couldn’t give her baby the life she wanted her to have at that time in her life so she chose another path for her but one that involved life. That birthmother then goes on to lead her life. She’s ok. You can give a baby up for adoption and that is ok. Then we see how a birth mom and her child can be reunited and it can be a healthy loving relationship. But we also see how single moms and single dads can make it too! Most importantly though, we see how a child who is adopted is ok. She’s healthy, she’s adjusted, she’s productive, she’s ok. Her adoptive family is a family. They love their daughter and she loves them. Adoption works!!

All too often we hear “ I don’t know if I could love a child that isn’t mine”. Or “What if they have problems?” or “what if the birthparents come around.” And to that I respond “she is mine.” The more we can make the world understand that genetics doesn’t make something yours the more we can end the suffering of children who are without the love of a family. And to “problems” I respond and if you have a child of your own birth they will be perfect? They will have no problems?? All children have “problems” that’s what makes us human beings! And if the birth mom comes around, well we’ll deal with that just like we deal with other family members!

Life is what we make of it. Go into it with a negative attitude waiting for negative things to happen and they will. Go into it with faith and a positive attitude knowing you can change the world and make it a better place and you will make it a better place, one adoptive child at a time!!

2009 CAF Christmas Party

What a great night! The party was fantastic. Greg and Kathy have a beautiful home and they were generous enough to open their home to us and host a great Christmas Gathering! Santa even knew where to come! He brought something for every little one! We had face painting, tons of great food, and just a great time socializing with one another. I couldn't have imagined a better night! Merry Christmas to you all!!

Our One Year Anniversary is almost here!

Happy Anniversary!!

As I look back over the past year I have many emotions to share. I’ve been excited and overwhelmed, I’ve been sad and I’ve been happy. I’ve even been frustrated. But, I have also at times been in total disbelief that this is happening.

This month marks the one year anniversary of COVE ADOPTIVE FAMILIES!!! It’s hard for me to put into words how much emotion comes with even just typing this! It all started with an idea I had for some of us adoptive families to get together… and now look. Just in one year we have grown from an idea to a corporation that is waiting for non-profit status approval. We have 25 members. Some of which who just enjoy the emails and informational updates and some who have been so vital in the growth of CAF that I would never have been able to make it the success it is without them. But whatever your role, whatever your involvement with Cove Adoptive Families, it is special and it is appreciated.

We've also had a lot of family and friends support. I can't talk about the success of CAF without mentioning the support of my husband and my friends. So thank you all for your support. And also the outpouring of support we have and still are receiving from our community agencies. I have truly been blessed this year by so many people. It's just been amazing!

We’ve gone from just a few of us socializing with one another to making a stand in our community advocating and educating about adoption. We’re embarking on new fundraising projects, we’ve added several new children this past year and I am hoping we add even more next year!!!

This group has become something that warms my heart and brings a smile to my face. It has grown into something that I never expected. It has become a mission and a vision for our family and hopefully for yours too. We have made some great friends and awesome connections for our families. I am excited to continue our relationships and to grow with all of you.

I just wanted to thank each and every one of you for your awesome contribution to making COVE ADOPTIVE FAMILIES a true success. I can only imagine if we did this much in just one year what will our second year bring!!

So please join me as we embark on a brand new journey towards 2010!!! Thanks to all of you!! And Happy Anniversary!!

Holly

CAF goes down on the Farm. J.B. Tree Farm that is...

J.B Tree Farm was an awesome time! We enjoyed a cook-out together then we took a hay ride around the Farm. Then we got lost in the corn maze! The kids also enjoyed playing on the pile of hay bails! It was a beautiful day shared among friends and family.

CAF Visits the Southern Cove Volunteer Fire and EMS Station

We all had a great time touring the Fire Station. The fire fighters and EMT's were awesome. They let the kids climb all through their the trucks and the ambulance. They taught them fire safety. They could not have been more great to us. And of course there were hats and coloring books for them all! What a great day.

My Thoughts on Family

A family is defined in many ways.

The dictionary defines a family as a group of individuals living under one roof and usually under one head of the household or a group of persons of common ancestry.

I define family as this. Family is not about genetics. It is about loving each other through the great times and also through the tough times. Through the pain and sorrows and through the joys and laughs. Through the births and through the deaths. Through the struggles and the triumphs of each other. Family is about not judging one another but about accepting one another. Family is about hugs and cuddles, kisses and smiles. Family is about fights and tears. Families don’t always agree but they always love. Through it all a family is the place where you will find safety, security, and peace.

Family is not only the physical place of a house it is the place in your heart where you feel that warm feeling, The place where you can smell those familiar smells and hear those familiar humms. The place where you can close your eyes and remember. Remember the scrapes of your first bike accident. Remember the fears of the dark, remember the laughs of the birthday parties. The place where you can smell the turkey cooking, where you can taste the potato salad and feel the sun on your face from the porch, the place where you can hear the trees rustle or the horns blow. Whatever your place… where ever that is and whoever it is with… when you find this place you will know that you have found your home and found your family.

Mom's Night Out

Mom's Night proved again to be a great time!! We enjoyed some great stories and made some new friends. I am looking forward to next months gathering! We will be taking a road trip to the Southern Cove Volunteer Fire and EMS Comp nay in New Enterprise!! I think the kids will really enjoy this!! Date to be announced soon!

Also, the forms to become a Non-Profit Organization have been filed so please pray that everything goes through and is approved!!