I don't think one ever recovers from losing a parent, no matter the nature of the loss. Losing anyone important to us comes with grief, and since parents are meant to be our foundation both biologically and socially, we mourn their loss most profoundly. In my case, both my biological parents are alive yet they … Continue reading The Never-ending Journey
As a child, I hated history class. All that pointless memorization. All those names of European explorers, battle generals, and document drafters that blended together in my brain. So many exact dates we needed to regurgitate, and for what purpose? In my high school World History class, I balanced a cheat sheet on my thighs … Continue reading Our Histories
Those who follow me here may know that I run a website called Adoptee Reading that catalogs books on adoption either written by or recommended by adopted people. I've had some ideas rolling around in my mind lately for how I might try to expand on the site, which I hope to be able to … Continue reading The Value of the Written Word
The other night during dinner, my family and I were having a conversation about plans, and my son threw a question to me: What was your dream? The question startled me, and I stumbled. Had I had any dreams at all at his age? He gives the impression that he sees his goals very clearly, … Continue reading Dreams
The other day, I had a meltdown. Someone said words that opened up a place deep inside where I feel as if I’m nothing. The words that were said weren’t the problem, nor was the person who said them the problem. The problem is that a very long time ago, I experienced pain that left … Continue reading Broken
Karen Pickell: Between 