Possum's Place

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-358327052011-12-19T10:53:39.553+11:00Possum's PlacePossumnoreply@blogger.comBlogger841100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-80214306852942769762009-03-13T22:31:00.004+11:002009-03-14T17:26:09.800+11:00Adoptee's DENIED.

Adoptee Rights Demonstration - Philadelphia, USA - July 21, 2009.PLEASE PASS THIS ON - it rocks!!!(also head over to YouTube - and add some stars - favourite the video - pass it onto friends)US adoptees should be allowed their Original Birth Certificates just like the rest of the US population.Australia has allowed it - why can't they????Thanks.Poss. xxx

Possumnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-75264067377407111512009-03-09T17:10:00.002+11:002009-03-09T17:16:28.919+11:00Patience Has Paid Off - FINALLY!!

Today - finally - after 2.5 years - I received an email from one of my brothers.I sent my 3 sibs a letter - 'outing' myself - 2.5 years ago - that created a huge storm for my mother - and was the reason behind my father contacting me behind everyone's backs.My mother scared everyone else - so from them I only heard silence - and it hurt my soul.But today - I have the BIGGEST smile on my

Possumnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-23551200644354609622008-12-17T11:28:00.003+11:002009-01-23T10:33:23.830+11:00Adoptee Rights Demonstration - 2009

Pass on the word -Adoptee Rights Demonstration - Philadelphia, PA, USAJuly 21, 2009Here's the blog - http://adopteerightsphilly.blogspot.com/It's time for US Adoptees to have access to their OBCs.Thanks.Poss. xxx

Possumnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-2717634088689590522008-12-15T09:36:00.004+11:002008-12-15T09:48:39.418+11:00The TRUTH About International Adoptions

Harlow's Monkey alerted me to the above report - featured at the Schuster Institute For Investigative Journalism website - with an interactive world map of where the babies come from - and where the babies are shipped to.The full article by E.J.Graff can be found at Foreign Policy website.Let's hope that more reports will come out like this one.Sadly - I think - too many that are desperate for a

Possumnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-54179196867419241742008-11-19T00:12:00.002+11:002008-11-19T00:15:28.097+11:00Unhappy About Being Adopted??

Another great post - this time by Gershom - at Anti-Adoption Blog.It's called - "Why would anybody who was raised in a loving home be unhappy about being adopted?"How I missed it - I do not know!!!It's good.Go!!!Poss. xxx

Possumnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-30903701493020940942008-11-16T12:48:00.001+11:002008-11-16T12:51:04.287+11:00The Anti-Adoption Confusion

Go HERE and read a post on "The Anti-Adoption Confusion".It's good.Thanks.Poss. xx

Possumnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-72595787760874831102008-09-07T23:17:00.005+10:002008-09-09T13:21:30.640+10:00Adopted AND Abused??

The adoptee (almost human) that wrote the wonderful and heartfelt words from my last post - What An Adoptee Wants To Know - has a website - Adopted-Abused - for those adoptees that ended up in abusive adoptive households - and they have a survey running for those that lived through such pain.A message from almost human -"Please, if YOU or SOMEONE YOU KNOW has been adopted and abused, we are

Possumnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-14268515702362057832008-09-07T13:02:00.004+10:002008-09-07T13:39:10.645+10:00What An Adoptee Wants To Know?

Question on Y!A -" When and if you met/meet your real mom, what did you want to know?"Answer by 'almost human' -"to her i will ask, "what were the circumstances behind my conception, birth, and relinquishment? I want to know the beginning of my story and be able to tell my children about this history, so they may have a stronger link to their heritage."secretly my heart will be bleeding and i

Possumnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-1985994781135179162008-08-16T12:27:00.009+10:002008-08-16T20:19:05.635+10:00Origins Australia & Mental Health Issues Of The Adoptee

I've only discovered recently - that Origins NSW/Australia now has a new web site - and it's well worth the visit. (yep - I'm a little slow on the uptake - it's probably been up for a while now - but I've finally changed my links - so don't forget to change yours!!)There is a great summary of research - which ALL prospective/current adoptive parents should take the time to read.The research

Possumnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-68429468312351320392008-08-15T12:41:00.005+10:002008-08-16T14:07:04.058+10:00He Called!!

Thanks to all my wonderful well-wishing peeps!!!My father called! And it was good!!!He just wanted to touch base - apologised profusely for not getting in touch so much over the past few months.He's working on a letter about medical history info. (I don't know how much the letter will contain - but he's doing his best - even finding out what meds his wife/my mother is on now - and he wants to

Possumnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-35974174554419142412008-08-13T21:11:00.003+10:002008-08-13T21:28:04.746+10:00Sparkle Of Hope

This afternoon I received an email from my father.It's been quite a while.I guess it's hard when you're keeping contact with your first born a secret from all other family members.Really - I'm just glad that I haven't been forgotten.He's putting together a longer letter for me - about family and medical history.I don't want to get my hopes up too high - but it's good to have some contact once

Possumnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-54472887044521734092008-07-29T20:58:00.005+10:002008-07-29T21:35:33.004+10:00Dear Mother

Dear Mother,This little girl always wondered about who you were.This little girl always wondered what you looked like - and if she looked like you.This little girl always wondered why she was given away.This little girl always wondered if you were thinking about her.This little girl always worried that she had done something wrong - even though she was always told she was special and chosen and

Possumnoreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-31048605054755082412008-06-20T12:10:00.008+10:002008-06-21T00:38:42.165+10:00Bitter, Angry and Ungrateful Adoptee

I'm kind of over the 'angry', 'bitter' and 'ungrateful' titles - that have - yet again - been bandied around the internet in the last 24 hours.(hell - I hear them every single day - but a certain post led me to write this post today - I won't link - as it was more because of a comment I read to that post that really got me heated - and I just needed to have my say!)I get VERY defensive when AP's

Possumnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-77634324525729348762008-06-18T13:14:00.005+10:002008-06-18T13:37:07.570+10:00To An Adoptee.......It's All About Lines..........

This picture just spoke volumes to me today.This is what genetics feels like to me. (especially since I've finally met my bio sis after 35 yrs - who looks like me, laughs like me, has the same talents & habits as me, reads the same authors as me, thinks like me - is a part of me).My adoptive parents certainly added some diagonal lines to my mix - because to an adoptee - nothing is cut and dry.But

Possumnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-51411865880755492832008-06-11T11:13:00.004+10:002008-06-11T11:40:53.444+10:00Giving Up On Hopes, Dreams & Wishes

A wonderful first mum blogger - Suz - has written today about letting go of wishes - titled - 'Giving Up Wishes' - please do go over and read if you can.As usual - dear Suz has got me to thinking - but from the point of view of an adoptee - and the hopes, dreams and wishes of an adoptee who WANTS to find their first mother - who WANTS a reunion of sorts.You see - I'm not getting those hopes,

Possumnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-19311632085509389842008-06-09T00:09:00.007+10:002008-06-19T23:26:15.805+10:00The ONLY Way Adoption Should Be.

A question about 'healthy motivation to adopt' & ethical adoption - was posed to me earlier this week.The points below relate to both those that are considering relinquishing a child - and those that are wishing to adopt.* Adoption should be for the benefit of the child - and not the benefit of the adult.(first and foremost)No child WANTS to be separated from their parents.Adoption should never

Possumnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-7355930150059850492008-06-07T14:20:00.005+10:002008-06-11T11:51:04.205+10:00Writing Campaign Announcement

On behalf of the Adoptee Rights Demonstration - please help if you can - Have you ever wanted to help out with the Open Records movement, but weren’t sure how to get involved? Maybe you’re not able to make it to the protest, or better yet, maybe you’re joining us and still want to help out?This is your opportunity to get involved!Every Friday(7 in total) from now until the protest (July 22, 2008)

Possumnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-51232830761189914052008-06-05T22:25:00.007+10:002008-06-11T11:50:25.209+10:00Adoptee Rights Demonstration Update

Help if you can - heck - get there if at all possible.It's time to be heard - please pass on........For more information, please visit http://www.adopteerights.netHello everyone!July 22nd is fast approaching! Here is the update for the Adoptee Rights Day demonstration in New Orleans. We will be posting frequent updates so folks will be in the loop with schedules and what the plan of action is for

Possumnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-89890570402240428132008-06-02T11:47:00.004+10:002008-06-02T12:01:44.075+10:00The Loss of Julia

On Saturday, the adoption blogging world lost one of it's most beautiful souls.Dear Julia - lost her battle with leukemia.She was waiting for a bone marrow match - that never came.She was only 25.She may have had a better chance - if only she hadn't been an adoptee.You will be greatly missed Julia - but you will never be forgotten.Your words gave strength to many. Poss. xxxxx

Possumnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-7580017508980877042008-05-06T09:20:00.003+10:002008-05-06T09:35:26.506+10:00Rejection Hurts More Than Any Word Could EVER Express.

I removed a whole heap of posts about my story - as I was paranoid.As a searching adoptee I want to put my story out there - but now I've found my family - I'm so scared that any of my words could break the fragile links that I have in place with family I long to know.I cling onto the hope that I will one day get to know the family that I was separated from soon after birth.And I'm so so scared

Possumnoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-80998623614845524932008-03-26T23:09:00.003+11:002008-03-26T23:13:19.304+11:00What's Best For The Child

A 15 year old girl wants to give her child up for adoption - and is OK with the adoptive family sending her the occasional photo - and telling the adoptee they're adopted when they hit 18!!My response - What's best for this child - number 1 - is to be parented by you.If this can't be done - (I understand you are young - but parenting is not an impossibility) - then -What's best for this child -

Possumnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-16217320217152981402008-01-06T16:43:00.002+11:002008-07-29T23:31:03.926+10:00THE Best Christmas Gift This Adoptee Could EVER Get!

Yes - I've been a little quiet. (sorry)Life has been busy - and I've had much too much to think about of late.BUT - I just had to let you all know.Just two days before Christmas - I received the best present I could ever wish for.A photo of my bio Mum and Dad.(Shot 8 years ago - taken out of a frame - scanned & emailed to me by my father - without my mother knowing!! Yes - I think he's pretty

Possumnoreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-76431586975467209952007-12-06T16:09:00.000+11:002007-12-06T16:21:48.497+11:00Stephanie & Evelyn Bennett

In April this year - I wrote about Baby Evelyn Bennett and her mother Stephanie - called - Bring Baby Evelyn Bennett Home.Well - my dear adoptee blogging friend - Amy - has shared with me an update on the situation - and I'll share what she wrote here -Do you remember this case? It involved a seventeen year old girl, Stephanie Bennett. She was molested by a family friend. She got pregnant as a

Possumnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-46902250187095131682007-12-06T09:50:00.000+11:002007-12-06T10:01:15.323+11:00Sealing Of Adoptee Records.

Paragraphein, a first mum in an open adoption, has written a brilliant post about the real reasons behind the sealing of all adoptee records.After much research over the past few years - I've come to understand who sealed records really protect - but I could have never articulated the lunacy behind the laws as well as this.It's NEVER been about protecting the child's first mother. NEVER.Please go

Possumnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-49889518025130555312007-11-08T20:48:00.000+11:002007-11-08T20:57:53.245+11:00The Faces Of First Mums.

Nicole, over at Paragraphein, has put together a wonderful slide-show of the faces of first mums.So often, society is too quick to label first mums - saying they are crack whores that can't possibly look after their children.Reality - so many are just never given the support they need to parent their child - and too often greedy adoption agencies and adoption lawyers are too quick to take away

Possumnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-40102280595541276002007-11-04T00:14:00.000+11:002007-11-04T00:24:45.835+11:00Some Thoughts For Adoptive Parents.

I'm meant to be studying - I have an exam on Monday - Maths Education 1.But I just had to share some very fine words with you.Mia - over at Mia's Saving Grace - has written a post - title - "Got it all figured out do ya?".It has been written in response to an annoying adoptive parent (one that really is giving AP's a very bad reputation) that frequents and comments on her blog - mostly to bring

Possumnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-6413966767908307482007-11-02T02:00:00.000+11:002007-11-02T02:53:16.176+11:00Why Do Adult Adoptees Speak Out?

Yep - I've been visiting that horrible Yahoo again. I admit it - I'm a glutton for punishment!!I have to share a few GREAT answers which were posted - all from adult adoptees.Firstly - the rant/question from a prospective adoptive parent left on Yahoo -How can you judge when you have no idea how it feels? My husband and I have been trying to conceive for almost 4 years. Some for ya'll on here

Possumnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-17507388349601225662007-10-20T13:39:00.001+10:002007-10-20T13:55:49.587+10:00Open Records Video

Produced by the WONDERFUL & TALENTED - Mia, Theresa, Andie & Kevin.Please take the time to go to YouTube and rate this video - it's in a competition - and if it wins - it may be shown on MTV & other music shows.YES - MAJOR COVERAGE!!!The message has to get out - please pass it on.

Possumnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-26954334774054765752007-10-12T22:38:00.000+10:002007-10-12T22:48:20.979+10:00When Is It Right To Hurt A Child ??

I'm finding that I'm getting more and more angry about it being OK for pregnant women to even CONSIDER relinquishing.Why has society made it OK to hurt thousands and thousands of babies and thousands and thousands of mothers?Deep, painful, life altering, psychological scaring - that stays - sometimes buried - for life.Salt rubbed hard in those wounds when we're told - it was all for the best.And

Possumnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-74920822919689836492007-10-11T20:06:00.001+10:002007-10-11T20:30:43.513+10:00Adoption U.S. Style - in the 21st Century

I am going to share with you THE MOST AMAZING post I have ever read - explaining what adoption really is like today.On that silly and mind numbing Yahoo Adoption Questions - an adoptive parent - who likes to dismiss all and everything that anyone cares to hint about the down side of adoption that exists to this day - asked those that aren't all rosey about adoption - to give real examples of

Possumnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-63984445196516969912007-10-10T12:16:00.000+10:002007-10-10T12:41:52.024+10:00Raising An Adoptee Is A Very Hard Thing Indeed

I have been frequenting the boards of Yahoo 'Adoption' Questions (yeah - silly - I know!!) - and there was a question asked about the pros and cons of adoption - asking those that answer to carefully consider both sides and give at least one answer on each!An adoptive parent wrote a very honest response to the question - and I have copied it here -The pros and cons are constantly running through

Possumnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-89509080480693636992007-09-29T14:21:00.000+10:002007-09-29T14:33:16.837+10:00Gone To A Good Home - AGAIN !!

Additional information for those interested in the Australian documentary -Gone To A Good Home -1. For those wishing to purchase this documentary on DVD or VHS - in your applicable format - please visit - Film Australia.2. It's being aired yet AGAIN in Australia - SBS - Friday 26th October - at 2:30pm.Catch it if you can.And please spread the word.Poss. xxx

Possumnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-37277959523039849292007-09-29T13:10:00.001+10:002008-11-08T09:15:08.627+11:00Why Don't ALL Adoptive Parents Get It?

The wonderful Adoptee Forum that I participate in has a new member of late - an adoptive parent - one who has shared with us stories of her journey with her two young adoptee's - as they struggle with the effects of being separated from their first families.This adoptive parent has a blog - titled - All My Children.(Edit: sadly this blog has now been taken down)On the Adoptee Forum - there was a

Possumnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-50566190425863642452007-09-09T16:27:00.000+10:002007-09-09T16:56:49.632+10:00Gone To A Good Home

For all those peeps reading here that are residing in the wonderful land of OZ - there is a NOT TO BE MISSED documentary being aired on SBS Television - 14th September (next Friday) - at 7:30pm.Many of my dear first-mum friends at Origin's Australia were involved with the making of this doco - and it really is worth seeing.(I even ordered a copy of it on DVD - it's THAT good!!!)Here's a little

Possumnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-44062972979922165332007-09-01T21:39:00.000+10:002007-09-01T21:42:21.514+10:00Love And The Adoptee

Question:When you adopt a kid, don't they just grow up to love their real parents more than you? So what's the point?My Answer:The whole misconception with adoption & adoptees - lies in the stories of which parent the adoptee loves most.I have 3 kids - do I love one child more than the others - NO.The human heart is capable of loving many.If the adoptive parents love their adoptee - and allow

Possumnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-8547694821518756832007-08-29T20:01:00.001+10:002007-08-29T20:18:07.356+10:00Bitter Winds

This video was written, filmed and directed by an Australian first mum - Lina.Lina also wrote and sang the song.Please pass on - and rate/comment over at YouTube - as Lina is hoping to get funding for a documentary she wishes to make about the tragic adoption practices of the past. (many that continue in the US to this day)(direct link to YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvO75R-QrqA )

Possumnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-56919002680074645002007-08-17T10:08:00.000+10:002007-08-17T10:13:32.124+10:00To The Mothers

Hi.I'm fine.Have been rather busy with ski vacations, tour guide commitments and university assignments - but really - I'm fine.I have been catching up on blog posts - and just read an amazing post by my dear adoptee friend Lillie - entitled - "To The Mothers".Please take the time to read.It's good.That's all from me for now.Thinking of you all.Poss. xxx

Possumnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-7639484712640211742007-07-28T15:27:00.000+10:002007-07-28T22:23:48.065+10:00Is Reunion Worth It?

I'm really starting to question if trying to reunite with one's first family is even worth the bother.I've been through 2 years of hell and rejection from my first mother. I've written 8-9 letters in total - pouring my heart out with every word.I've sat on top of my letter box - hovered around my computer - and jumped every time the phone has rung.And all I've received from her is one small

Possumnoreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-27179045335862469262007-07-18T10:22:00.000+10:002007-07-18T10:26:22.088+10:00What NOT To Say To Adoptees

Just a brief interlude in the life & times of Possum........Wraith, has written a great piece on 10 Things You Shouldn't Say To An Adoptee.It's well worth the read - and something that all non-adoptees should think about - before opening their mouths with words that can be so very painful to an adoptee.Thanks Wraith.Poss. xx

Possumnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-60099464537973318282007-07-07T22:51:00.000+10:002007-07-07T23:38:43.563+10:00Who Owes What In Reunion?

Dearest Suz - at "Writing my Wrongs" - wrote a post recently about the perceived debts in adoption - about what expectations there are when adoptee and first parents reunite - it's called - "What Do I Expect?"Her post, and some of the comments got me thinking - as they tend to do!!My thoughts and views of these issues have changed often over the years. Especially as I learn more of the era in

Possumnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-92006604993717147472007-06-29T23:04:00.000+10:002007-06-29T23:14:01.642+10:00My New Non-Adoption Blog

Howdy,I now have a non-adoption blog - just so I can write about - well - you know - stuff. http://possum-fumbles.blogspot.com/ I'll still write on Possum's Place when something adoption related effects me - but there I can just dribble about life - Uni - the kids - my universe.I don't know how I will go - but it feels good just writing about different things every now and then - and sometimes a

Possumnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-80838962276900184012007-06-21T16:02:00.000+10:002007-06-21T18:06:05.475+10:00Chosen & Special Adoptee

I've been checking out a new adoptee blog - iBastard. (Nice to see another male adoptee here in Blogland.)Today he wrote about that oh-so-wonderful adoption term Chosen. (please take the time to pop over and have a read...)I was told I was adopted from as early as I can remember.My adoption story was told and retold - and the terms 'Chosen' and 'Special' were always spread thickly through the

Possumnoreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-71857122784202522462007-06-18T14:59:00.000+10:002007-06-19T13:46:59.887+10:00Still Dangling On That Line....

I'm here - I'm alive - I'm happy that another semester at University has ended - I'm exhausted.And to top things off - our internet connection went kapootsky for almost 2 weeks.I was ready to hunt down my service provider and give them a stern talking to.This last semester at Uni has been a really tough one.I've been reflecting on this now that I've had time to stop.To be honest - I think I have

Possumnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-14503849653137348612007-05-26T13:16:00.000+10:002007-05-29T02:26:50.817+10:00It's All About The Mother I Wasn't ALLOWED To Have

I've seen recent comments by adoptive parents - that are along these lines -Some aparents don't want their children to feel the pain and grief of adoption loss (that we blogging adult adoptees speak of), and will do all that they can to NOT make their children go through that hell.I do see adoptive parents that ARE reading and listening - but I think this is something that needs to be repeated

Possumnoreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-39583290754585077032007-05-24T08:41:00.000+10:002007-05-29T01:50:42.580+10:00Adoption & Energy

Hi.Yeah - I'm still alive.Hanging in there - as they say.Life has been a complete whirlwind of late, and I had to back slowly away from my blog for awhile to gain back some of me.I just finished 2 weeks of practical experience teaching Year 1/2 at a local Primary school. It was amazing, draining, enlightening, uplifting, extremely busy - and I miss 'my' little class of munchkins already. These 6/

Possumnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-29324265174764289992007-04-30T21:10:00.000+10:002007-05-29T01:52:01.665+10:00The Power A Mother Holds

I've been introduced to the Blog of PostSecret recently by new blogging Aussie adoptee at 'Life of an Adult Adoptee' - and I added it to my Bloglines feed.People send in their secrets on home made postcards for all the world to see.This postcard above (on an older post) spoke volumes to me - as it reminded me of all the times I wanted to confide in my adoptive mother - to reach out to her - to be

Possumnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-21897066727637396442007-04-28T19:58:00.000+10:002007-05-29T02:37:49.432+10:00An Upgrade And Some Growing Up

Well - Welcome to my updated digs!!A VERY talented lady, by the name of Chesty LaRue, designed this wonderful template for me - and yes - those pics are of a younger - more angelic - me!!!When I found and scanned in these photos, I was thinking about how happy I looked in them - and it made me think a lot about my youth.Yes, I had a wonderful childhood. I was surrounded by oodles of love. It was

Possumnoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-75166902694105412222007-04-19T22:34:00.000+10:002007-05-29T02:35:28.864+10:00Do Our Blogs Really Make A Difference ???

I think that many of us wanting a change in current adoption practices want to know sometimes that someone out their in the internet world might be really learning from what we have to say???Well check out this email MSP (Mum Seeking Peace) received the other day.It certainly made me smile.Poss. xx

Possumnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-15809994836185968222007-04-17T11:00:00.000+10:002007-04-29T20:00:56.993+10:00Bring Baby Evelyn Bennett Home

Australians would have no idea about the story I am about to share with you.Damn - most Americans who are not linked to Adoption Reform have no idea either.But it is a story that needs to be told - and it is a story that should NEVER be played out again.(please note that this is a story that is being played out RIGHT NOW - not 30 years ago - but TODAY)At 17 & pregnant, Stephanie Bennett was

Possumnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-39542497113709501362007-04-13T08:51:00.000+10:002007-05-29T02:28:40.985+10:00Apparently - It's In The Stars!

The TAURUS zodiac forecast for today.........bought to you by Jonathan Cainer and Crew(and it's Friday the 13th too!!!)Do you really need me to confirm that your life is about to alter for the better? I think not. You are intuitive and have moved far enough along the path now to know the answer yourself. Even if it is a fairly tortuous route of two steps forward, one step back, you are making

Possumnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-38483204129372270242007-04-12T18:32:00.000+10:002007-05-29T02:30:16.231+10:00Today

Thanks for everyones support for my angry rant yesterday - it felt really good to get out.I think I've been skirting around many of those points for years now.Actually writing it down felt GREAT!!!This morning - I got an email from A......Hello Possum Just a quick note to say we will be away off and on until about the end of May and I may not have access to email during that time. I still

Possumnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-57292111059308503212007-04-11T12:05:00.000+10:002007-04-11T12:29:33.197+10:00'Lil Possum Rant

WARNING - don't read on if you want to feel happy about adoption today.'Lil Possum wants to speak today - and it's not going to be pretty.I'm angry that my mother gave me away.I'm angry that those around her didn't give her the strength and support she needed to keep the child that belonged to her.I'm angry that my mother married 6 months after my birth (maybe to my father).I'm angry that she

Possumnoreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-26142371736592006772007-04-02T22:23:00.000+10:002007-05-29T02:31:38.415+10:00Hit The Wall

Today - I hit the wall.I wanted to curl in a ball and make it all go away.I just wanted the hurt to all FRICK OFF at last.I was ready to write A an email to say - forget it all - I'm throwing in the towel.It's been two - long - frustrating - roller-coaster-ish - soul destroying (at times) - incredible - years.Regularly, I'm scared that my husband will pack up and run screaming, arms flying, down

Possumnoreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-12222842340820948362007-04-01T10:58:00.000+10:002007-05-29T02:34:09.042+10:00The 3's Of Me

The lovely ActonB tagged me with a meme. I haven't done one before - so I'll give it a bash.....Three Things That Scare MeBig spidersPoliticiansTeenage years (I know what I was like.......)Three People Who Make Me LaughMy girlsMy friendsSome very clever peoples in the blogosphereThree Things I LoveMy familyMy friendsGood foodThree Things I HateSecrets & LiesNever having enough timeHypocrisyThree

Possumnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-84650222884646257192007-03-30T10:25:00.000+10:002007-05-29T02:11:29.558+10:00Countdown Delayed..........

Just received this email from A this morning..............Hello Possum Thank you for your email of Monday 26th. Sorry I have not responded earlier but I have been having trouble with my email. You have obviously been very worried and concerned about the email and my delay in responding to you will not have helped you either. I need some time to think and I will get back to you again .

Possumnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-64356065799293382862007-03-25T10:04:00.000+10:002007-05-29T02:19:53.744+10:00Angry Adoptee

You MUST check out this post by Issycat - over at 'Adopt This!'.It's clarifying her feelings on whether of not she should be labeled an 'angry' adoptee.This is EXACTLY how I feel - and I really couldn't have said it any better myself.(thanks Issycat)

Possumnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-65564756728602491742007-03-23T16:29:00.001+11:002007-03-23T16:29:44.784+11:00Free Hugs Campaign. Inspiring Story! (music by sick puppies)

Mia introduced me to this video.I can't stop watching it - and I can't stop crying when I watch it!!!Enjoy!!!Then head over to Mia's blog for some ideas of an "Open Adoptee Records" type campaign along similar lines. Poss. xx

Possumnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-68950803185405270722007-03-21T01:13:00.000+11:002007-05-29T02:17:10.348+10:00Possum's Poem.

Once there was a time - when I was the HAPPY adoptee,Clouded by the "magic" of the happy adoption tree. I would rarely ask those questions, that so hurt my mother dear,She didn't like me asking, she just didn't want to hear. The masses think adoption's great, it's one happy theme park ride,The remarks from people unaffected, just make me want to hide. They make me feel the thoughts I think, are

Possumnoreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-91552882280262590302007-03-16T14:36:00.000+11:002007-05-29T02:21:33.085+10:00As An Adoptee - I NEED TO BE HEARD

Over at 'Mia's Saving Grace' there has been a hot discussion about 'correct' and 'incorrect' adoption practices - see posts "And then I wept" - then "Reply" - and the comments have really got me thinking. (and a little bit heated - I must say!!)The discussion has also bought up many points which DO need to be discussed in the open - there are things that do need to be set straight - there

Possumnoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-6796676826493639082007-03-15T10:29:00.000+11:002007-05-11T01:01:24.141+10:00Tis ME

Possumnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-53279771315746438552007-03-11T13:40:00.000+11:002007-05-29T02:26:04.159+10:00How To Make A 'Happy Adoptee'

From reading around the blogs of late - I have come to realize a couple of key 'ingredients' to make a more well adjusted, happy-within-oneself, more-love-for everyone, type of adoptee.There are always going to be variations to the recipe - and not every adoptee will 'come out' looking and feeling the same (that's the fun of being 'unique') - but in my observations, there are a few important 'how

Possumnoreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-76177484104634499002007-03-02T16:07:00.000+11:002007-03-02T16:57:20.913+11:00Another Adoptee and Mother (almost) Reunited

Today I received THE bestest news!!!I have been involved with an adoption support group, for adoptee and birth/first mums, here in Canberra for the last two and a half years.When I went along for my first meeting, a lovely lady in her 80's was also joining in for the first time. Let's call her 'Mary'. (all names have been changed..................you know the drill..................)She looked

Possumnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-2240594934245615352007-02-27T21:13:00.000+11:002007-05-29T01:26:42.864+10:00Happy Birthday Mum

Today is my first mother's birthday.I was going to send her a card - but kinda lost the energy to do so.Since being in e-mail contact with her husband, I asked him if it was OK for me to send her a birthday card - if she would appreciate it - or detest it.His reply was as follows: Hi Possum,This is just a quick note in response to whether you should send P a birthday card. My original thoughts

Possumnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-28449663687657176062007-02-20T23:51:00.000+11:002007-05-29T02:03:20.912+10:00Change Of Name

Hi blogging friends!!!Have made the decision to change my name to Possum - and this space of mine shall hence forth be known as "Possum's Place".My newly found sister started calling me Possum soon after I found her - which I think is pretty neat!! (remember - Possums down here are cute and cuddly - NOT a menace to society!!)Plus I'm just trying to make it a little harder to find ME on the net.(

Possumnoreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-52191751333464082542007-02-19T11:52:00.000+11:002007-05-29T02:04:16.106+10:00Will The REAL Me Please Stand Up.

Another adoptee I visit regularly here in blog-land - Nina - posted about patterns she is starting to see in the way that she handles different life situations. And she got me thinking!!Let me tell you a story about my weekend.We (Family and I) were invited to a BBQ on Sunday for a 5 year old birthday girl.To begin with, the celebrations were mainly for said 5 year old - and her various friends -

Possumnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-71139633187097565782007-02-15T09:37:00.000+11:002007-05-29T01:58:03.697+10:00Today I Can Breath

Another email from A (mother's husband) received at last.Today - I can breath once more.......................Dear C, You are probably wondering why I made contact with you by email about a week or so ago but I feel some contact should be made with you so that at least there is a channel of communication with you and hopefully this may alleviate a lot of the frustration and heartache you

Possumnoreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-82631817355997522962007-02-13T11:30:00.000+11:002007-05-29T02:05:35.277+10:00Recommendations For Adoptive Parents - by Wraith

Just wanted to share a great post by another adoptee, Wraith, titled "Recommendations For Adoptive Parents".Just 23 points on how to help your adoptive child become a more grounded and validated person.If only my adoptive family had been shown this list.They certainly loved me with all of their hearts - and still do to this day - but it would have helped them be more prepared for questions and

Possumnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-35301446108961497772007-02-11T16:14:00.000+11:002007-02-21T00:20:48.678+11:00Letters Needed For Young Korean Mothers

I often visit a forum at Origins Australia.Today - a request was received by a Korean American adoptee - currently in Korea.Please read - and help out if you can.

Possumnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-16633973562647824692007-02-11T14:38:00.000+11:002007-05-29T02:06:56.403+10:00My Letter To A - Nov2006

I'm filling in time - and filling in the gaps to my adoption story.(yep - still no news...and still I wait.....)This is my reply letter to my mother's husband - A.See this 'Letter From My Mother's Husband' post for details of his letter sent to me in November 2006, after I wrote to my siblings - see this 'Letter to My Siblings' post about them.Dear A, Thankyou so much for your letter dated

Possumnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-88974041860748588902007-02-07T15:28:00.000+11:002007-02-07T15:38:59.889+11:00Still Waiting...

Just wanted to give you all an update - as I'm sure many of you are sitting on the edge of your seat - like me!!!Sadly - no more emails or contact as yet.Still waiting patiently once more.But amazingly I feel a lot calmer now - more so than ever before.I do believe that it is a VERY good sign that A has emailed me - finally.Contact is slowly opening up.It's as if the oyster shell has been

Possumnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-75695556174901368052007-02-04T22:05:00.000+11:002007-05-29T01:59:23.023+10:00OMG...OMG...OMG...OMG

OK - all my friends in Blogging-Land - please - OH - please........keep your fingers crossed for me tonight - and send loads and loads of THE happiest thoughts down the line.I have just returned from down the coast seeing my wonderful newly found sister again - (here's a pic & a blurb about her and I here ) - and I decided to check my wee emails. (OK - I usually check them a THOUSAND times a day

Possumnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-76288646513678777942007-02-04T22:04:00.000+11:002007-05-29T02:00:54.257+10:00Letter From My Mother's Husband

One month after I posted my letters to my siblings - I received a letter in the mail.But it was not what I was expecting.It was a letter from my mother's (P) husband (A).I stared at the envelope for a whole 2 minutes before opening it.This was not part of my plan.I went to a quiet room - and with shaking hands - started to open the letter.In summary A wrote:* I feel I should write to you so that

Possumnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-11622067882361311982007-02-04T21:57:00.000+11:002007-02-04T23:36:38.868+11:00Letter To My Siblings

I waited for a reply for over 18 months.I waited.......and waited.......and waited.I had given up.I had written to my first-mother (P) more than 6 times.My last letter was informing her that I had at last found her first daughter - my sister J - letting her know that J was gorgeous - she had 3 beautiful children - we had met - and that - MOST IMPORTANTLY - J was not going to "pop" into her life

Possumnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-30751432462300436932007-01-31T09:09:00.000+11:002007-05-29T01:32:39.508+10:00Contact Denial

I have just read the most moving post - and it has effected me in a very deep way. If you have a chance - please visit and have a read - titled THE REAL DEAL.It was written by Mia - an adoptee from the US - who has an amazing way with the written word.In the US, many states have closed adoption records - meaning that adoptees are not even allowed the most basic of information about their birth

Possumnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-27333216216976997892007-01-24T14:48:00.000+11:002007-05-29T01:43:24.271+10:00More Letters From Me - and - THE Call

I waited well over 18 months.I wrote over 6-7 letters.My first reply to my mother's letter was to thank her for responding to my letter and to let her know that of course I'd give her the time she needed.I also let her know that I believed that she had received a phone call from a "Search Angel" and that I had NOT asked this person to contact on my behalf. I also apologized for any harm that

Possumnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-39850904922042024992007-01-22T17:48:00.000+11:002007-05-29T01:47:29.218+10:00The Reply From My Mother

A couple of weeks after sending THE letter, see this posting below, I received, at last, the letter that I'd been waiting for.It was a letter from my own real non fairy-tale mother - something I'd longed for my entire life.It's contents weren't all that I'd hoped for, by a long shot, and I'm sure that if there had been no other interference from self professed "Search Angels", the outcome may

Possumnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-60285507619207870012007-01-21T23:23:00.001+11:002007-01-22T01:46:36.699+11:00Finding My Mother

Let me take you back.........two years ago.............(grab a coffee - this could take awhile.....)After 30 odd years of waiting for my mother to come looking for me - I thought it was about time I started really searching for her.As I posted earlier - I received my original birth certificate, together with my mothers identifying information (and I hunted down a copy of HER birth certificate

Possumnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-90999002270115677462007-01-18T18:16:00.000+11:002007-02-01T09:17:27.655+11:00A new day

Today is indeed a new day.Thank you to the many that have left messages or emailed with their support. It has meant a great deal & it has soothed my sorry-ass soul!! As Nina wrote in her Blog - these days just happen, then, luckily, there is a new day - and some of the heaviness of it all starts to lift - and life rolls on.I have been searching and reading many blogs today. Not great fun for my

Possumnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-31883002744918278942007-01-17T10:22:00.000+11:002007-05-29T01:46:51.685+10:00I want to get off this ride now - pleeeeaaassse.

I'm really struggling today.My eyes are puffed up from crying myself to sleep last night - and there is a constant ache lurking just below the surface.I've had enough!!!I want to get off this adoption merry-go-round now.I want to stop feeling so much pain.I have decided that it would have been better if I were actually an orphan - rather than an adoptee.If both my parents had died soon after my

Possumnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-77807273945505404742007-01-16T10:29:00.000+11:002007-01-22T01:27:53.158+11:00I'm baaaack!!

Well - yes - it's been a little while!!!All energy was spent on a rather large religious holiday - and a delightful jaunt to the coast with family and good friends.I'm back - relaxed - and looking forward to a good year.Weight increased a little more due to religious holiday eating - and coastal holiday - but I'm determined to lose the excess flab this year - and find the skinnier me within!!!!

Possumnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-64128290527439153432006-12-19T15:48:00.000+11:002007-01-22T01:27:19.699+11:00My Sister and I

On our second meeting, my hubby took this photo of J and I. (I'm on your left) April 2006.We share the same mother - father's both unknown.J is 5 years older than I.J was also born in Sydney, and also adopted out at birth.J lived a few suburbs away from where I grew up and went to a similar school to my own.We visited the same areas throughout our lives.We dated boys from the same schools.Our

Possumnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-42676133878949481892006-12-19T15:03:00.000+11:002007-01-22T01:26:46.450+11:00Weekend at my sister's

This weekend we drove just over 2 hours to catch up with my newly found sister, and her 3 kids. This was our 3rd visit, and it just keeps getting more and more comfortable!!For two sisters to be so alike, when we have spent our entire lives unaware of each other, is simply amazing.Her kids are just a little older than mine, and I can't help smiling when they point out all the similarities

Possumnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-1160539997196412982006-10-11T14:10:00.000+10:002007-05-29T01:28:12.283+10:00My family

In front of Lanyon Homestead, ACT, May 2005.

Possumnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35832705.post-1160537600401183462006-10-11T13:30:00.001+10:002008-06-06T23:23:50.978+10:00Well.....here I go.....

I am a thirty-something adoptee, living most of my life in Sydney - now living in Canberra.Briefly - I was adopted from birth, my adoptive parents already had two bio kids - girl 14 yrs/boy 13 yrs when I was born, and they wanted to adopt a boy sometime after me.Adoptive father died in helicopter crash days before my 1st b'day - putting a stop to any more adoptions - and a dampener on any

Possumnoreply@blogger.com9