Lifetime Movie

From the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption Newsletter 25 Feb 09:

Lifetime Television to Air Powerful New Movie

Tune in to Lifetime Television on Saturday, February 28th, at 9pm ET/PT, for the premiere of the powerful new Lifetime Original Movie, America, starring and executive produced by Emmy Award-winner Rosie O'Donnell. Lifetime's web site will share the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption's toll-free phone number and web site for viewers who want to help or are considering foster care adoption.

Based on E.R. Frank's book of the same name, the film takes viewers on the emotional journey of seventeen-year-old America as he navigates the United States foster care system. O'Donnell leads the cast as a therapist who gives America the support to deal with his troubled past and find the courage to survive against all odds. Newcomer Philip Johnson makes his acting debut in the title role alongside Academy Award nominee and Emmy Award-winning actress Ruby Dee. Additional air dates are March 1 and March 3. Check your local television program listings for details.

A little story

I was told an inspiring little story lately that I wasnted to share with all of you...

"We had a training last month and this guy came to talk about a variety of things. He told us about his AA daughter. I gathered that they unintentionally adopted her, but were thrilled with their decision. (Sometimes children fall into our laps when we least expect it.) Anyway, he was telling a story about when they had gone to a baseball game and his daughter had to go to the bathroom. She took off, running, to the restroom and he followed her. This AA guy stepped out and stopped him and asked why he was chasing that girl. He said that she was his daughter. The other guy thought about it for a minute and said "But she doesn't look anything like you." He said "You're right, she looks just like her mother." Then he explained that she was adopted and the other guy squinched up his face in a confused look and said "Why would you do that?" The first guy said *** "Well, why not? You didn't, so I did."*** I just thought that was great. Our DS bio family thinks we are totally nuts and racist for wanting to adopt him. But why? No one is standing in line saying "I want that child." so why not us? It's definitely something to ponder and it's a personal choice we each have to make."

Fostering Love

Discovery Health has a new show starting tomorrow night. Its called Fostering Love.

Feb 18, 8:00 pm
(60 minutes)
Fostering Love is the story of two California parents who have opened their home and their hearts to kids who desperately need both. We'll meet Jim & Mark, a couple who has an unusual, ever-growing family, made up of 3 kids and a barnyard full of animals.

Actress Nia Valardos adopts from foster care

This is a neat story, one with a happy ending.. those are nice to see - being that they are published few and far between.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nia-vardalos/the-list_b_161241.html

Sorry it has been a while since I have posted anything. Not to much has been going on for us. We received the confirmation, certified mail, this weekend that they have received our request for an appeal. The letter stated that a court date will be assigned and when it is assigned we will be notified. Fingers are still crossed that the date will not be to far out. I'll let you know when we hear something.

Another Blog

While waiting to hear back from Sacramento on our appeal date, I am getting restless. I try to find things to do to keep myself busy, but that is not always easy.

I created another blog, not one I will update to often, but one that talks more about us and our family. I thought I would share it with you all. You can share your opinions here on this post (regarding the other blog, if you would like to)

http://www.familythroughadoption.blogspot.com/

The Appeal

We did receive the denial letter with the attached appeal request form. We have completed it and it is going out in today's mail. Fingers Crossed that we get an appeal date that is not to far out. The Adoptions worker told me that she had one couple consider appealing their denial, and their appeal date, to go in front of the judge was not set for 8 months, so they ended up moving on and going with private adoption. Any way, I am hoping that our court date is not set that far out. As soon as we hear something, I will let you know. Thank you again for all your support!

The Letter

The licensing worker called Thursday night to tell us that the official denial letter was going out in the mail on Friday with the information about the appeal. I left another message for our adoptions worker. She called me back last night and we talked for quite a while. She is so wonderful. She told me a little bit about the appeal process and a little bit about what to expect, although she hasn't had any of her couples actually go through the appeal process so she didn't know to much. She said she does think it is a good idea for us to appeal, which to me was encouraging. I guess I was half way expecting her to look into "other options" but she didn't. She even told me that she will try to keep our case open as long as the department would let her. If they do have to close it, we just have to write in a letter (if the appeal works our way) to re-open it and she will gladly take on our case again. She was a bi frustrated because the LW never got in touch with her before calling me with the news. She said it should not happen that way, but what difference does it make at this point?

The letter should be here either today or Monday and we have 15 days to send in our appeal. We are responsible adults, with a successful business, we own our home, we are active members of the community, and we want this more than anything. I think those are good reasons to go for this appeal!

I spoke to the adoptions worker and she is going to get in contact with licensing and talk to the Licensing worker to see what is going on. She is going to call me back when she knows more. I will update when I hear from her.

Small Update

We have not received the official "letter of denial" yet.. but I am expecting it any day. I decided to call an agency that works with a few close by counties (recommended by a friend.. thank you!) I called and talked to the Social Worker there to see what she thought. I told her our situation and asked her if we have any hope. She was amazing and very nice. She said not to do anything yet.. be positive and don't lose hope with the county until they actually deny us.. because ya just never know. Any way, she did say if" we do get denied by the county to give her a call and we can talk. She said it is not up to her if we get licensed that it works a little differently when working with an agency vs. the county, but we could go in and meet with her and she is willing to talk to us about our options. So right now we are just waiting to see what happens.

Like I had said before, Danny left a message (two messages) for our adoptions worker, who approved us originally, to be sent over to licensing to see if there is anything she can do. She has not called us back yet, which is not like her. I don't know what to think about that other than maybe... she is waiting to hear from the licensing worker to see what is going on before she calls us back. I am going to try her again on Monday.