Anna Allanbrook

We come together once a week, choosing to hang out with each other instead of going to recess or the lunch room.  Anyone who either lives with a foster family or is adopted can participate.  Some students come every week.  Some just drop by when they feel like it, but it is always a welcoming place.  We range in age from 6 to 70.  The younger children may participate when a parent or teacher suggests it.  The older children usually decide that they want to be there.  Sometimes teachers join us, sometimes student teachers and assistants. All of these participants share the adopted or looked after identity.    We have learned that the adoption community is a big one and we welcome all voices.  Our experiences are varied.  Some are awaiting adoption, others have been with their adoptive parents their entire lives.   Some of us have memories, some of us don’t, but all of us identify as adopted.  We share a common bond. Sometimes it is just being together that is important: playing, dancing, drawing.  Sometimes it is telling stories about our lives.  That’s why a few students return weekly.  We are one.