*name has been changed by Michele Fried I’ll never forget that day in September. The agency was barely six months old and apparently my cell phone was ringing and ringing but some how I missed the calls. Apparently hours later, I noticed I missed several calls and went into a frenzy realizing that a local
Continue reading »Eleanor
by Michele Fried Eleanor’s story begins and ends in Niagara Falls, New York. When Eleanor was born she went home with her birth parents, their first child. The newborn made her father very happy. He loved to hold her and smell her and talk to her. But taking care of Eleanor became too difficult for
Continue reading »Congratulations to…. Me!
by Michele Fried I am a mother. Being a mother is the most important thing in my life. It is truly what brings me the most happiness. For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to be a “mommy”. I have been blessed many times with many wonderful children. I have been
Continue reading »Adoption Will Change Your Life
by Michele Fried We are talking on the telephone when my friend casually mentions that she and her husband are planning on adopting. “We’re just beginning the adoption process,” she says. “Any advice?” she asks. “Adoption will change your life.” I simply say. “I know,” she says, “The home study process, waiting for the right
Continue reading »A Match That Was Meant To Be
by Michele Fried When Kristina and Malik contacted the agency we found them to be a loving couple with an unexpected pregnancy. Kristina and Malik considered their relationship good yet felt that they were not yet ready for a child financially or emotionally. Kristina, a manager of a fast food restaurant works many hours and
Continue reading »Happy Tears
by Michele Fried The other night I called for my kids to come kiss me goodnight … it was the three youngest kids (all teenagers) hanging out in the backyard with some of the neighborhood kids – the ones who refer to me as Mama Fried. One of them – I don’t know which –
Continue reading »Infertility Part 2 – A Professional Overview
by Kathy Crissey, MS, LMHC Some common issues in working with infertility include but are not limited to the following: Isolation – everyone around you seems to be pregnant or has a baby. When you are struggling with infertility, it seems that all you notice are pregnant women and babies. Everyone seems to be able
Continue reading »Infertility – A Personal and Professional Overview Part 1
by Kathy Crissey, MS, LMHC In part 1 of a 2 part blog post, Kathy speaks to her own infertility journey and how it led her to the family she has now. Having been raised in a large family, I never expected anything less than to become a mother. Life, however, has a way of
Continue reading »Resources for Family Members of Expectant Parents Making an Adoption Plan
by Kathy Crissey, MS, LMHC Hopes, dreams and expectations – we all have them – not just for ourselves but for our children. What happens when your son or daughter is facing an unexpected pregnancy and is looking for support and guidance? Where do extended family members turn? It seems that the focus is on
Continue reading »Our Home Study is Done – Now What?
by Kathy Crissey, MS, LMHC The home study is done and our profile book is in to the agency – now what? The adoption journey is often one that can seem overwhelming at the beginning and full of things to do. Paperwork, paperwork, and more paperwork. Classes, educational credits, meeting with the social worker and
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