Hey all you guys out there. As I have mentioned before, I occasionally attempt to write a children's story. Of course, it's nearly impossible to get published when sending an unsolicited manuscript out there in the cut-throat world of children's publishing, but I've decided to give it another go with my story "I Have Two Names." When Little Miss was adopted, I was shocked at the lack of stories out there about domestic adoption. International adoption has been so publicized (with a lot of celebrities choosing international adoption and then writing books about it) that you can find a book about China at the drop of a hat. But, look for a kids' book that provides an introduction to open adoption and the open adoption triad (birthparent--adoptive parent--child) and good luck to you! So, I wrote one. Based on Little Miss' open adoption, here is "I Have Two Names." Comments would be appreciated before I send this one out into the cold, cruel world.
“I Have Two Names: A Story of Open Adoption”
Hi! My name is Danielle. And my name is Lizzie. I have two very important names.
My name is Lizzie because that is the name my birthmom gave me. I grew in my birthmom's tummy for nine months until I was ready to be born. Because she couldn't take care of me, she chose a very special Mommy and Daddy for me.
My birthmom wanted to give me a name that would always remind me how much she loves me. That is why she named me Lizzie—because it is a part of her name, Elizabeth. When I was born, Elizabeth was very young. She wanted me to live with her, but she knew that she wouldn't be able to take good care of me. Elizabeth decided to show how much she loved me by making an Adoption Plan for me. When I hear the name Lizzie, I remember that my birthmom loves me and is thinking of me.
My name is Danielle because that is the name Mommy and Daddy gave me when I became their daughter. When I was three days old, Mommy and Daddy met with Elizabeth. Elizabeth told them all about me, and all about the kind of parents she hoped to find for me. Then Mommy and Daddy talked to Elizabeth about how much they wanted to be parents, and how excited they were that I might join their family. Mommy and Daddy and Elizabeth all agreed that I should be a part of Mommy and Daddy's family forever. The next day, Mommy and Daddy met me for the first time, and brought me home. That was my Adoption Day!
On my Adoption Day, Mommy and Daddy wanted to give me a name that would show that I was an important member of their family. Because we have many relatives named Daniel, they gave me a name that sounds like “Daniel.” When I hear the name Danielle, I remember that I am surrounded by a family that loves me.
When Elizabeth writes letters to me, she might say, “Dear Lizzie, I love you very much,” or she might say, “Lizzie, you are becoming such a big girl! I keep a big photo album with all of the pictures you send to me and I like to look at them and see how much you have grown. ”
When my Mommy tucks me into bed at night she says, “My dear Danielle, I love you very much. I watch you grow every day and I am so proud that you are my little girl.”
Elizabeth knows that Mommy and Daddy call me Danielle. She doesn't mind. She is glad that Mommy and Daddy welcomed me to the family by giving me a special name. She placed me with Mommy and Daddy on purpose so that I could be a part of their family forever.
Mommy and Daddy know that Elizabeth sometimes calls me Lizzie. They don't mind. They know that Elizabeth will always be important to me. They are glad that my name will always remind me of her.
When Mommy talks to Elizabeth on the phone she says, “Lizzie loves to play and read and dance and sing.” Elizabeth says, “I like to do those things, too! I am always happy when I hear that Danielle is happy.”
I have two very special names because I have two very special families. Both families love me and want the best for me. Both families are mine forever. That is why I will always be Danielle. And I will always be Lizzie.
I just came across your blog through my searching on information about infertility. My husband and I are both born again christians and are having a difficult time conceiving. I read a post you had written back in 2007 and a lot of things you said struck home with me.
I know this sounds weird as we don't know each other but I would love to ask you some questions. Would it be possible to maybe email each other?
Posted by: Brenda | May 06, 2009 at 09:29 PM