Inside the hotel at the conference, much of today was focused on hellos. …. Making new friends and becoming reacquainted with familiar faces.
After lots of last-minute arranging the Book Room opened, where the offerings include many nonfiction titles difficult to find at popular brick-and-mortar and online book stores. Among the items causing a lot of excitement: CDs of the new song written and recorded by adoptees and musicians Zara Phillips and Darryl McDaniels. The two hope the song, called “I’m Legit,” will be used by adoption reform advocates to help advance the cause for open original birth certificates in states nationwide.
I’m in my room writing this posting. Like others, I’m feeling pretty wiped out from a long day of traveling. But there are lots of people still out and about in the hotel, some enjoying the last few minutes of the Opening Night Reception in the hotel ballroom; others having drinks in the bar or chatting in the comfy arm chairs off the lobby. All, however, seem extremely excited about the great day of workshops and programs ahead tomorrow, which include professor Dr. Dorothy Roberts giving the opening keynote. Her topic: “Why Ending Racial Disproportionality Will Transfer Child Welfare.”
Thursday afternoon will feature Joe Eszterhas and his biological daughter Suzanne Perryman discussing, from their different points of view, their reunion after 30 years and path to a loving relationship. …. Lots of excitement and anticipation for that!
We are hopeful that over the next several days, many people—both those here in Cleveland and those at home—tune into this blog to share their thoughts, feelings and ideas. Spread the word!
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I'm so excited to be here! And it wasn't easy, since I lost my job in February. But the idea of re-connecting with all the birth moms (and dads) and adopted people and especially the courageous adoptive parents who attend--it was too valuable to pass up. And I admit that the idea of seeing Darryl McDaniels perform with Zara Philips was a super-draw for me, too. I am thrilled to be participating in this important conference.
ReplyDeleteCindy--great job on the AAC program! I am thrilled to be here. It wasn't an easy decision, either, since I got laid off in February. But the opportunity to meet up with my sister birth moms (and birth dads), to share with the adopted people, and especially to meet the courageous adoptive parents is too important to pass up. And of course, the chance to experience the healing, magical presence of Darryl McDaniels, and to see him perform with Zara Philips, was also a huge draw for me. I'm so happy to be here! (I'm a birth mother in reunion, and my son grew up in Cleveland.)
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