Higher blessings. William Leverne Smith from Hollister, MO on June 21, 2018: You know I love feel good stories. Obviously, when I got word that the meeting was happening, I created some sort of fantasy of who my mother would be and how I would fit into her life. You have not done too badly, my friend. One that teaches the value of “unconditional love” and “gratitude”. Reading first-person narratives can help us understand other people’s experiences, both those with whom we have commonality and those in other positions of the adoption triad. Adoption is not Plan B. Writing an Article 82. Your parents truly were special people, passing on all the goodness in their hearts and souls to you, their special son. Steps were being taken to find some semblance of normalcy. One such family, a man, a woman, and a young daughter, moved from Charles City, Iowa, to Tacoma, Washington in search of that normalcy. With thoughts and feelings. I never considered what it would mean to be adopted since I was the happiest kid in the world with my adoptive family. Here are the short story ideas: 1. Newsflash: They can hear you when you pepper us, the parents, with questions about our family’s authenticity. William Dale Holland was his name, the middle name being the first name of the father, nine months old, a veteran of nine previous foster homes, blind as a bat and desperately in need of love. They somehow are able to ignore the disappointments of their children and see to the core of the matter. whonu. I have just written a piece for Patricia Scott, extolling the virtues of sacrifice. See more ideas about adoption stories, adoption, international adoption. If you always know, then it just IS — there is never a feeling that someone kept something from you. Here are 100 story ideas you can steal right now. 300+ Short Story Ideas to Use Today. Truly a miracle for a fact. Failure to thrive syndrome, Ann, that's what the doctors finally called it....now I spend all my time thriving. Conjecture: severe alcoholism. Peg Cole from Northeast of Dallas, Texas on June 21, 2018: This truly is a feel good story, Bill. How lucky the rest of us are to know you now! Even now I have tears in my eyes thinking about the love they gave me. It surely is, Linda! A character decides to fail all their classes to make a statement. It's nice to read something like as compared to some of the other junk that floats around from time to time. For me, it is as normal as having a belly button; it has always just been there. They would certainly be proud of the man you have become! By Jaime Cone. We were given a chance. But God has an extraordinary way of creating beauty from ashes. I agreed to do so, mainly out of curiosity. You didn't need that DNA test. Imagine sharing your feelings of missing your deceased father (or brother) and hearing: “Be glad you still have your mother (or sister)” as if your loved ones are interchangeable. Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 02, 2018: Thanks so much, Zulma! I was adopted too but it took me a while (many years later to be exact) to appreciate what you describe as “all part of God’s plan”…. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story of love and sharing. Continue reading the main story. Adoption agencies would do well to showcase your story to encourage other families to consider adoption. As an adoptee who was abandoned and left without any identifying information, the questions that will never be answered cause me the most pain and heartache. So there they were, with a nine-month old child, papers all signed, papers declaring this child, named William, is legally blind, good luck, folks, best wishes to ya, don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out of the adoption agency, tuck that little bundle in blue into his crib, look down upon him, see how he moves his head at sounds, following the noise, waving his tiny arms, crying, always crying, the big world only blackness to him, one day, five, one week, two weeks, three weeks and . But it really isn’t for the world to understand; it’s for the people who are involved. Those angels are doing double duty, heading back your way. Adoption Guides, adoption articles, adoption wikis, and much more to learn more about adoption. Feel free to add some romance to a supernatural story, or frame a family tale in a historical or dystopian setting. It was genetically impossible, she said. What beautiful people your parents were, and their values shine in you. You just brought tears to my eyes...and for that gift I thank you. They are not here now. In December 2014, the Hope family adopted Bryson, whom they had fostered for 17 months. 2. There must have been some foreknowledge that you would need your eyes to create and write and fulfill your destiny as a human. They provide that safe place, a place where love is never doubted, a place where safety is always present, and my parents did that each and every day of my life. What a beautiful story, Bill. Adoption story title ideas? My biological mother died at the age of 42 from liver disease. ... Infinite random story ideas story idea generator / what to write / fiction inspiration / novel ideas / elevator pitch / short story ideas. Part of HuffPost Parenting. When I was 13, I was placed in foster care again after a failed adoption that occurred a decade earlier. Adoption and the Real Story. My adopted parents were not rolling in cash. Thank you so much. Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on June 26, 2018: What a beautiful story, Bill! on July 13, 2018: Such a moving story, Bill. Such a response would be off target, dismissive, and totally lacking in compassion. Adoptees lack this simple, basic knowledge all others take for granted. :). Did they know instantly that the kid had sight, or did that realization arrive slowly, one suspicion at a time? Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on June 22, 2018: Thanks for this hear warming story of the kindness of parents and the gratitude of an adopted son. Adoption has been the most controversial topic today, as there are social pressures regarding the issue. I swear you are going to make a profit this fine year. ️ 200+ Short Story Ideas (and How to Come Up With Your Own) Are you ready to write but don’t know what to write about? You have an amazing gift....a way to use words as an artist uses watercolors to create a picture on a canvas. I focused all of my attention on my pinky toes. The legally-blind kid could suddenly see. 18 Animal Adoption Stories That'll Warm Your Cold, Dead Heart "We were told that if we hadn't adopted her when we did, she probably would not have made it … Thanks so much, Pop.....destiny.....I think you may be correct. I think your story resonates hope to anyone willing to read or hear it. Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on June 21, 2018: Your parents were amazing people and you were one lucky little boy after reading this story of yours. It was my pleasure, Shyron! It calls on me to grow up. Your parents, up in the heavens, must be proud of you. I also suspect my dad beamed that smile of his, hugged his wife, maybe even threw up his hands and whooped. It is a joy ride of maximum proportions. I've led a pretty blessed life, my friend. I think your adoption was meant to be, and I am very happy for you. I never had any interest in meeting my birth parents until my medical history became an issue. I believe that Dale LeRoy Holland and his family, are worthy benchmarks of this unparalelled virtue. I don't blame you for being amazed, but I would think maybe that mother who walked a little closer to the Lord than the father may have been led to you. Before we get to the 100 story ideas, let’s talk about how to write a great short story.. First, read short stories.If you’ve never read a short story, you’re going to have a hard time writing one. Write a story about a new strain of flower and how its scent is intoxicating to humans, but also deadly. No question about it. Most of the stories we hear are from the perspective of adoptive parents. Oct 24, 2017 - Explore MLJ Adoptions's board "Adoption Stories", followed by 1570 people on Pinterest. There are some facts. I’m now a therapist myself and have worked extensively with adoptive families. I now understand that the main reason adoptees don’t talk about their struggles is generally the same. They brush aside the mistakes and the foibles and the stumbles. Here is Kara’s story. Nine months ago my wife, Bev, encouraged me to join one of those DNA testing companies, Ancestry.com. Their love has helped to shape you into a caring, giving man, as we have experienced so may times through your writing and your desire to share and give back. Adoptee curiosity is no different from anyone else’s and is even more understandable for those who don’t know from whom they inherited their eye color, musical talent or sports ability. All rights reserved. For sure they scooped me up and raced to see Doc Larkin, who would have been just as dumbfounded when he confirmed that yes, in fact, little Billy Holland could see. Masterpiece Generator. It was horrific. Thank you Frank! It’s all real. Surely they knew there would be financial obstacles facing them in adopting a blind child. Well done. Put another billion in the writing cash register. They are all gone now. Adoption—and adoptees—are not the exception to God’s goodness. I've never been terribly curious about that...my parents gave me everything I needed, most importantly love. Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on June 26, 2018: Thanks so much, Sha! Feel good - absolutely. Thank you for sharing your story. I thought I'd try telling a story where no one is killed. I appreciate that, Gilbert. Life gave you a chance and you ran with it. I’d later pass through several more, including a girls’ group home, moving around until I came of age. I am not able to express the love I still have for Dale LeRoy Holland, or Evelyn Josephine Holland, and the extended family in the background, grandmas and grandpas, uncles and aunts, sister and cousins and all, all willing to accept that blind kid as their own, all willing to bestow upon him the greatest gift known to man, the gift of unconditional love! Larry Rankin from Oklahoma on June 21, 2018: You had me at "feel good story" because don't we all need that these days! Shyron E Shenko from Texas on June 21, 2018: Bill! For me, it is as normal as having a belly button; it has always just been there. Parents.com With that in mind, why not use these ten short story ideas to write your first ten stories, one per week, over the next ten weeks? Do you ever wonder what it would have been like to know at least your biological siblings? She told me how she wanted to share her story and it is a story that needs to be told, so we conducted an interview via e-mail. Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on June 21, 2018: Suhail, thank you my friend. But this idea appeals to me more than The Lego Movie's one. I am also glad you were able to find out your family background. Modern Love. I promise you, your life will look totally different if you do it. This is an incredibly moving and uplifting article. Doris James MizBejabbers from Beautiful South on June 21, 2018: What an amazingly beautiful story, dear friend Bill. Jul 8, 2013 - Adoption success stories that are sure to brighten your day and give others the courage to adopt. That was the sound of both my elder sons when we finished reading your incredible story! Yet it seems acceptable, or at least commonplace, to tell adoptees who courageously share the difficult aspects and challenges of living life adopted that they should be “grateful” because they were “chosen” and are “better off.”. I live under a blessed star. Chris Mills from Traverse City, MI on June 24, 2018: Bill, thanks for being such an open book to us here on HP. But at least this lump in my throat is for a good reason. Bless you, my friend. The words left unsaid are the things I long to know most about who I was and where I came from. A town prepares for the election of its first-ever mayer. I appreciate your support and kind words. It helps having this information to move forward. We weren’t abandoned; we were chosen. It isn't the money that matters most. But please keep the word “real” to yourself. Fast forward through the summer to our first year at high school. Adoption Guides, adoption articles, adoption wikis, ... My husband and I have a unique story. I recently had the chance to interview a woman who is both an adoptee and a birth mother -- she was adopted at birth and later placed a child for adoption herself. The child gets to be a part of the decisions that will form their future. Write a fictional story about a clock with the power to tell something other than the normal time. There are many sentiments I didn’t know how to express in those days, because it wasn’t in my scope to expect, hope or ask. Thank you for my tears. She then told me about her adoption - again horrific. Ajodo Endurance Uneojo from Lokoja, Nigeria. Jackie Lynnley from the beautiful south on June 21, 2018: It really is incredible that a struggling family would take on a child, especially one with problems and maybe more expense. I have ALWAYS known I was adopted. I have a weak spot for all kinds of stories within stories and meta-narratives, and your idea already sounds like something I would enjoy. This made me think of my friends who adopted a really disabled child, almost emaciated and when I saw the baby, I told her not to do so but her husband insisted and millions of treatment later in the U.S., the child is growing well. Bill, what an amazing story. Scratch that last statement: it turned out fantastic for me! What a beautiful story to share, Bud! whonunuwho from United States on June 21, 2018: Bill, you have struck a warm note on my heart with this one. Parents are like that, you know. A wondrous thing. It . To believe that adoption somehow diminishes the good plans of a loving God is to believe the Christmas story was a mistake. I stumbled a few times while running, but I always got back up. Though I’ve broken them up into subcategories, don’t feel limited by the headings. Email your story and a photo of your dog to contact@thespruce.com and write "Dog Adoption Story" in the subject line. Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on June 22, 2018: Manatita, all I've done is take what was given to me and given back...that was one of the lessons taught to me...always give back. Many don’t understand that these kids more than just the basics. Two months ago I finally had some answers. In this great cosmic space The Ruler of it having perfect plan for everything what exists, have also perfect plan for every human being. My kids are real people. It’s been almost seventy years since that act of unrestricted love, and I still can’t wrap my brain around it. It was my pleasure, Bill, and I thank you for riding along with me on this journey. So here I am now, a man, a survivor, and all that is good in me can be traced back to that day, so long ago, when a young couple said “to hell with it” and did the unimaginable, opening their arms and saying “Welcome home, Billy.”. Maybe it was a simple dream she acted upon, brought by someone who loved you before you were even born. . Writing a Letter. My experience is not unique, but it is important. 2. I truly am, William, and I thank God every day for my life. Tell the story of a scar, whether a physical scar or emotional one. Your guess is as good as any I can come up with....hopefully I'll find out the answer one day. I'm sure the Hollands would have overlooked that. Your story makes me want to stand up and be a better, more caring person. It’s never been anything more than the way I came to be with my family. They must navigate racism, sometimes with little to no preparation for the realities of being a minority — simply because their parents haven’t had to. This is a short animation for a city council's Family unit for 1-6 year olds going through the adoption process. Thank you, my brother Bill, thank you for this amazing lesson of unconditional and "insane" Love you gave to my boys. How to Write a Short Story. Mary Norton from Ontario, Canada on June 21, 2018: You are indeed lucky as they provided you with a loving home. It’s a miracle, my mother would have said, and Dad, not the most of religious of men, would have no answer to those words. I suspect my mother cried. Get some new ideas today with these diverse and engaging short story ideas. And them thar pinky toes are grateful. And if that’s not enough, generate your own with the Idea Engine, or peruse these lists of scene ideas, flash fiction prompts, and writing prompts.. Write a story about… A character with an … Thank you Rajan! “My parents have blue eyes and mine are brown,” I told the class. William Kovacic from Pleasant Gap, PA on June 24, 2018: Warm and fuzzy for sure. I think so! The man found work in a sand and gravel pit, part-time work, something to pay the bills for awhile, something to keep heads above water, and he worked hard at providing, keeping his young family one step ahead of the bill collectors as he carved out a toehold in a new land. The next time you see a family at the store, at the park, in a restaurant, at the library, or standing next to you on the subway, and the family looks like they may not be biologically related or they may have joined together through the process of adoption, it’s perfectly fine to smile. Our family is real. See more ideas about adoption stories, adoption, success stories. Feb. 17, 2012; ... very much interested in adoption if the child is freed. I consider myself to be an extremely lucky human being. It only took a couple of paragraphs to learn many things about you I didn't know. Suhail Zubaid aka Clark Kent from Mississauga, ON on June 21, 2018: Super-mega-awesome story that explains why home sapiens, as a species, can never be generalized, can never be explained. I decided to put this up here instead of my other account because this one is more popular and more people will get to see the ideas for adoption :) These are just ideas I've had I'm sorry if some fics out there already exist like these ideas I haven't looked into them. Here are 27 photos of moms, dads, siblings, and kids joining together as families. I loved this feel good story.. because it just made me feel good.. bless your family. It only took a couple of paragraphs to learn many things about you I didn't know. This story is so good, so uplifting that if we read it as fiction, we'd never believe it. :) Glad it worked out. Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. In my work I strive to help this generation of adoptees, adoptive families and birth parents to have a different experience than I did. Most of my goo attributes can be traced to these two people, and I am forever grateful. And thanks to your adoptive parents and your family. God blessed you with wonderful adoptive parents who saw the best in you. Share November 12, 2020 . My sophomore biology class was studying genetics when I learned, by accident, that I was adopted. I love your thoughts, Peg....the mysteries of life,my friend. When we are young, we don’t have the ability to identify our experience and articulate our feelings. FlourishAnyway from USA on June 21, 2018: So happy that you have some answers to some of your questions. Unfortunately, for Bio Mom, and me there was no way she was going to live up to my expectations. . This is a supreme victory for all concerned. Surely they understood the challenges they were about to meet, and yet they chose to ignore all of that and adopt me. Or, as my mama taught me, just because you think it, doesn’t mean you have to say it aloud. Find out everything you need to know about adoption. Most certainly this decision involved added pressures, increased bills, and more challenges for the young family, but the decision was made and they went to Catholic Community Services, in Tacoma, and inquired about foster children. Questions which need answers will forever remain unasked. I raised my hand, happy to be the exception. Marlene Bertrand from USA on June 22, 2018: I don't know why I'm fighting the tears of overwhelming emotion after reading your story. Yes indeed, what a lucky little infant you were. So many adoptable children are left behind for various and sundry reasons, especially if they have special needs. Your adoptive parents must have been thrilled to find out you were not actually blind. I'm living proof of your faith. The Biggest Blessing of Them All. This will be a book of ideas I have for stories that I just don't have time to write. What was their reaction? MIchael my friend, it has been an incredible ride so far, and I look forward to the final chapters. These Bars Can't Hold Me. The reasons for that decision are lost in time. And when the decision was made, when the papers were signed, when that bundle in blue was handed to them and legally became a member of their family, they became the proud parents of a legally-blind boy who they named William. So blessed to know you...Bill. Daddy Moments Photo Contest One of my biological brothers was in and out of prison, a rather unsuccessful con man. My adopted parents are dead now, so I had no concerns with hurting their feelings by seeking out my biological family. Write a fictional story about a woman working as a highly trained secret spy. I cried with your mom and whooped with you dad as I read the miracle, and now I need to put on fresh make-up thank you. Automatic story ideas generator tool. Learn about the trials and triumphs of parents who have adopted. You have done your parents proud. :) Thanks so much! Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 26, 2018: Thank you so much, Dee! Your life could have been very different. -based off of TRUE events and stories of my life-Add to library 2 Discussion. Personal Stories of Adoption: Please find some of our best articles, essays, videos and reviews on this topic. Ann Carr from SW England on June 21, 2018: Definitely a feel-good story, bill. They had no trust fund. Many blessings, my friend. What must my parents have thought that morning they went into the bedroom to check on their new son? Short Story Ideas. :). Hoping all is well with you and yours. Raise the kind of person you'd like to know, What an Adoptee Wants You to Know About Adoption, Former Foster Kid: Two Things I Wish They Knew, Embracing My Identity as a Chinese Adoptee, What It Really Means To Be Transracial And Black, Living With Adoption’s Dichotomies and Myths, questions, like those expressed by Hallee Randall, 11, I Learned I Was Adopted In Biology Class And Used Facebook To Connect With My Birth Family, She Was Placed for Adoption as a Baby. You are such a fortunate person and I'm glad that your story turned out so well. Writing a Screenplay 4. Only logical answer I would have. I became very adept at stuffing my belongings into two red milk crates and a battered suitcase with a missing zipper. Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on June 24, 2018: Thank you so much, Sean! I look back now, to those hard times, to that young family, and I am in awe of the decision they made, of the burden they willingly lifted, a leap of faith for sure. Nithya Venkat from Dubai on June 22, 2018: God showered his blessings in the form of a wonderful family who adopted you. As an adoptee gets older, if no one is talking about adoption, we get the sense that our feelings won’t be understood or validated. I think that is why it has never been a big deal for me. Having their own cares and concerns understood and considered in the new family formation lets them know that they are important and not just an object to be possessed or traded. There are also many unanswered questions which leave room for conjecture, but based on the facts, that conjecture is probably fairly accurate. Writing a Short Story 14. 01 of 05. Mommy Moments Photo Contest Meet the winners, Christiana, Callie, and their mom, and the finalists. I know that you are a talented and intelligent writer, but in some of your works the intensity, emotion and bringing-to-life depictions ... stories are astonishing! I've so admired your writing, Bill, and now I realize that a deep sense of appreciation for life--things both big and small--is the cornerstone of so much of it. It is a good quality for other writers to emulate. Linda Lum from Washington State, USA on June 21, 2018: Bill, I'm not sure what I can add to what has already been voiced in the comments. They saw the miracles, only Love can do, through a true story. This story starts where many adoption stories begin, with infertility. There are many cases and incidents revolving the issue as well and this is the reason it has also become a grave and debatable issue today. We gathered 15 of our most popular stories surrounding adoptees -- ranging from personal blog posts on the trials and triumphs of growing up adopted to reflections on what adoption means. My dad could be a short-tempered man from time to time. on June 23, 2018: Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on June 22, 2018: I'm glad that such a wonderful couple adopted you, Bill. Oh, Marlene, I think you are doing pretty well in that regard, but thank you for your kind words. Thank you! However, my ignorance was short-lived after I presented a family heritage project in second grade about my Chinese roots. Summer Memories Photo Contest Meet the winner, Apollo, and the finalists. Cheers! ... Short story describing the new life I entered. Kid and Pets Photo Contest Share your snapshots of your children posing with the family pet! They were amazing people, and I sure hope they are proud of me. What Might Have Been. Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on June 23, 2018: Yes....welcome home Billy....life is an enigma for certain...unanswered questions...but look...just look how it all turned out. I think your adoption was meant to be, and I am very happy for you. Shannon, just a passing thought. I Love Chew! lol. At eight months old, I was adopted and taken to the United States. Write a fictional story about a teen who creates a viral video. Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 03, 2018: Zulma Burgos-Dudgeon from United Kingdom on July 03, 2018: It doesn't matter how many times you fall as long as you keep moving forward. I know they are looking down on earth and saying "that's our boy!". All that’s left is that little bundle in blue, all grown up now, seeing quite well, thank you very much, seeing more than just the eyes can see, seeing a love that, to this day, is still beyond my comprehension. I've read before about sight returning in children when comfort and love comes after a trauma. I am sure your adopted parents think the same. MizB, thank you so much! Ioannis Arvanitis from Greece, Almyros on June 24, 2018: Wow! McKenna, thank you so much. It is a good lesson for me. Our love is real. Writing a Book Writing an Autobiography 3. Shannon Henry from Texas on June 21, 2018: Now look what you've gone and done - made me cry! Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on June 25, 2018: Chris, it is my pleasure. More conjecture: biological mother in a disadvantaged family has a child, a blind child, is overwhelmed, realizes she is incapable of feeding another mouth, incapable of nurturing one more child, gives that baby to the adoption agency, maybe drops the kid off at the hospital, hard to say, but what isn’t hard to say is this: I am, and will be, eternally grateful that she did what she did. Lawrence Hebb from Hamilton, New Zealand on July 27, 2018: They always say that the truth is stranger than fiction. You make me happy when you write about the simple things that bring you joy, whether it's doing urban farming, selling at the farmer's market, or walking your dog. Anyone else need tissues? I am sure you gave your parents much pleasure as they nurtured you and watched you grow up. Sign up Log in. While adoptees share some common experiences, no two stories are the same. Browse through and read adoption short stories stories and books. New prompts are added each week, and you can search by genre. While it certainly was that, I think it's also a profound reminder about the power of gratitude. I can think of no other reason to explain why they would adopt a blind child...amazing and angelic for certain. Thank you....and sorry about that make-up. My gratitude list is so long it's hard to read in one sitting. Years Later, She Was Faced With the Same Choice Herself, The 7 Best Things About Adopting an Older Child, 27 Breathtaking Photos Of Adoptive Families Uniting. Thank you my friend. Who knows the ways of the Lord? As my teacher used eye color as an example of recessive genes, she explained that two blue-eyed parents would never have a brown-eyed child. Thanks so much, Peggy! I’ve already done lists of master plots and writing prompts for fantasy, romance, science fiction, mystery, and horror (or just plain spooky stories.) Another biological brother died at 21 in a motorcycle accident. The challenges transracial adoptees face are numerous. Browse through and read adoption short stories stories and books . Very little is known about my biological father. I love thinking about plot ideas and idea starters for novels, short stories, and other fiction. There were many to choose from at that time, in that place, war babies unwanted, a buyers’ market if you will, so many available, large and small, male and female, black and white, a veritable abundance of riches in the flesh market, and so the young couple sifted their way through the choices, looked at photos, weighed the pros and cons, kicking tires, if you will, looking for the perfect child to compliment their existing family.