Beech Tree News Network

Jennifer is the name of the young woman who lives in Frankfort that sends me photographs of children waiting to be adopted.  Jennifer and I have never met but we do have a very important goal in common; we both want the children who are featured in weekly articles, to find their forever families.  One of the biggest needs right now is for families that are willing to adopt an older child and sibling groups.  It amazes me that some people consider children ages 7 and older as “too old to adopt”.  Older children, especially teens, are looked upon as trouble with a capital T, which is only one of the many myths about adopting older children. 

I can empathize with a young couple wanting a newborn baby so that they can enjoy all the “firsts” that come with a little one such as their first smiles, first laughs and first steps.  My two youngest sons (who are biological brothers) were 8 days old and 3 days old respectfully.  My 9 year old son (who was our first child) took his first steps in the presence of my mother and aunt.  They couldn’t wait to tell me all about it but I had to burst their bubble and inform them that it wasn’t an official first step until I was a witness. 

My two oldest sons (who are also biological brothers) were 8 and 4 when they came to live with us.  My husband and I weren’t able to witness the first time the boys walked or talked but we have had our share of our own special firsts.  We got to be there the first time the boys saw the ocean and the look of awe on their faces is permanently etched in my memory.  We got to watch them play on their first baseball, football and soccer teams and the look of pride on their faces when they put on those new uniforms was priceless.  About a month ago, I got to witness my 16 year old son get his driver’s permit.  When we turned onto the road into our neighborhood, I put the car in park and looked at him and said, "now it’s your turn."  It was the first time I had to start letting go.

I never dreamed of having one child, let alone four.  There are days when my boys can be so overwhelming that they push my patience to the edge of losing my mind.  But if I had to do it all over again, you better believe I would.  I can’t bear to think of all those firsts I would have missed.  Luckily for me, I haven’t seen the “last” of the “firsts” just yet.

***
C. Denise Lambrianou is the Program Coordinator for Family Enrichment Center-Adoption Resource Program, which is funded in part by a grant from the Cabinet of Health and Family Services, Department of Protection and Permanency and Wendy’s of Bowling Green.  If you would like information about becoming a foster or adoptive family, or you would like to inquire about a featured child, please call (270) 781-6714 x 3 or (866) 842-9032 x 3.

***
About Autumn:
Say hello to Autumn!  Autumn (6/97) is a young lady who wants nothing more but to find a family who will love and accept her. Autumn would love the opportunity to meet her forever family today.  Autumn enjoys singing, playing sports and being outdoors.  She enjoys doing craft projects and creating fun things.  She also enjoys watching television and listening to music in her free time.  Autumn described herself as a “City Girl,” but she is open to living in a rural area as well.  Autumn has had many hurts in her life, but she is looking forward to putting it all behind her and moving forward with a forever family.  Please consider learning more about Autumn, and allowing her to make a permanent place in your heart and family.