I want to tell you a quick story, with permission from who told it to me, of the unexpected ways books connect us. A few years ago I did a photographic essay of men and boys reading Princess Academy to illustrate that, yes, this does happen and yes, it is okay for heaven's sake. One of the participants is this man, who I've known for years:
He is a family man. He has many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and is hands-on involved in their lives in an active, loving manner. He's a treasure. A few years ago one of his grandchildren gave up her two precious children for adoption. As is often the case, even though it was for the best, it was still very hard for the whole family.
The two kids, a brother and sister, joined a loving family. And not knowing that their birth grandparents knew me, they apparently became fans of my books. One day the grandson is reading through my past blog posts and sees the above picture. He recognizes "Papa." And so the boy has his mother take a picture of him reading Princess Academy in the same manner, recreating the photo. His adoptive mother sends the picture to his birth mother, who shows the birth grandparents. And today, with tears, they showed it to me.
What a wonderful story and connection with that family. I don't want to be rude but as an adoptive mother I want to say you don't 'give up' children for adoption. This is old terminology that can be detrimental to the kids. Children are placed for adoption. Which is a much more accurate term, especially when adoptions are open and they still have contact with their biological families. You may think I'm nitpicking but there is a huge difference and most adoptive and biological families have strong feelings against that terminology. That family may not be one though, in which case I'm sorry for butting in.
Posted by: S.P. Bowers | September 01, 2016 at 06:04 PM
Hi,
That is a really cool story!
But I just wanted to respond to Susan's post. I am an adopted child and I don't find the term "give up" offensive - the biological parents did "give up" their children - they gave up something very precious! The term I find most offensive and people use frequently is "real parents". But thats just a side point.
Posted by: J. | September 02, 2016 at 11:44 AM
Totally agree about 'real parents'.
Posted by: S.P. Bowers | September 02, 2016 at 01:30 PM
What a fantastic story! Books can bring people together in such real and important ways. Thanks for sharing! I needed a pick me up!
Posted by: S. Meyers | September 03, 2016 at 09:17 AM
S. P. Bowers: Wow, I just read a novel about adoption earlier today where characters had the exact same conversation about terminology. I thought of pointing this out, since it was fresh in my brain, but I knew Shannon meant no harm and didn't think it was my place, as my family isn't touched by adoption. Thanks for saying it.
Shannon, what a fantastic way for a family of readers to come together!
Posted by: Erica Smith | September 08, 2016 at 11:46 PM
What a cool & touching story! I love when people are connected or reconnected through books & this created a who new "story".
Posted by: Bkjunkie | September 09, 2016 at 06:31 AM
I'm not really sure why my previous comment wasn't posted. It was a long one and I don't know if I can re-type everything again. Anyway, this is a touching moment. And it's a good thing that the child doesn't hold any grudge or whatsoever. You should include this to your next book, you know? :)
Posted by: William | September 10, 2016 at 11:53 AM