OUR ADOPTION STORY
My story started almost sixteen years ago. I find it hard to believe that my oldest will soon be 15. I truly believe that finding Thursday’s Child was a Godsend. I had checked out many agencies and felt I was getting nowhere fast. At a support group meeting for single adoptive parents, one of them handed me a phone number. He said he didn’t remember the name of the agnecy or the director, but thought I might like her. Well, I called the next day and spoke with Iris, the director. She filled me with such hope. After speaking with her I knew it was only a matter of time. My first homestudy meeting was in February of 1983. I decided on India because I had close friends while I was growing up who were of East Indian extraction. The agency spelled out every step and carried me through. It was very exciting being one of Thursday’s Child’s first single parents. Now a good many of the agency’s clients are singles.
My wait was very short. My son, Joshua Rohim Garofalo, was born on December
6, 1983 and arrived home on January 28, 1984. Unfortunately, that would not
be likely to happen these days. Joshua was very small and had been a preemie,
but was very healthy.
He and I had the privilege of being part of the first citizenship hearing in
Connecticut that was for minors only. It was televised and in the newspapers.
My second son came to me because Iris knew I wanted another child and had slim finances due to leaving my former job and working at home. Gabriel was in the custody of an out of state agency and was abused in the first home in which we was placed. He had many problems that would last a lifetime. Iris talked to the agency and I guess our home sounded good, because Gabriel, born May of1986, was home on September 10th of the same year. Gabriel has been a challenge, but more a joy! He continues to surpass the goals that are set for him. Don’t get me wrong. He will always have special needs. He was never “supposed” to walk or talk. Well he started walking at 2 ½ and has never stopped talking. Last year he had perfect attendance at school and received an excellent speller award. (Only two missing words all year.) He also got readng and art awards. So those of you who worry a lot about problems, think it through very carefully, but remember that every child brings rewards. We just have to be looking for them.
My whole experience with Thursday’s Child was one of love and joy. You will never be lied to or discover that the truth has been stretched to make it more appealing. It may hurt to know some things, but in the end you will be glad that things were handled that way. My only regret is that I now live in Western New York State and want another domestic adoption, so Thursday’s Child probably can’t help me at this time. I am hoping for a little girl. She will be an older toddler most likely, but I wish Thursday’s Child could be the “doctors who deliver her to us”.
My advice to you all is to keep praying and follow your hearts. Dreams to
come true.
-Donna G.- Falconer, New York (see
page 2 of this article for Joshua’s comments.)