- Click on an image to go into full screen mode and see larger versions of the show.
- Note it is timed to automatically advance. Press the up or down arrow keys to go forward and backward without waiting for the auto timing.
- Press ESC to exit the show.
- Due to space limitations in title and caption, I could not fully explain each picture. Feel free to leave a comment if you have questions about a picture.
[showtime]
Wow! After viewing and reading the slideshow, and getting a glimpse of what is contained in “The Box’, I can certainly understand why it held such pain for you for so long. That is your story, Suz. The only thing you had left to mark that whole era of your life. Reading and viewing the contents of “The Box”, caused me to cry and lose my breath, with empathy. I think it served it’s purpose well, and now that the lessons it offered have been learned and integrated into the fabric of the amazing woman that you are, Suz, that history is no longer holding your soul for ransom. Bravo! I so admire your bravery at sharing your story and the ability you have to look at things with such and openness, even when it isn’t pretty.
You have no idea how much reading here has helped me to process my own journey. Thank you for that! We will continue to evolve, as will our children lost to adoption. Having processed so much of my journey; I find today that I am able to enjoy each day more fully and not take a single ounce of love that passes through my life, for granted. No doubt there are more lessons to learn, but we are up for the task.
Fare well in your surgery! I know it will be a lengthy recovery, but I have no doubt that you will be able to recover. I look forward to the days when you are hale and hardy, again. Perhaps the Mr. and I will wonder up for a Margarita with you, hubby, and your little green friend. Love and strength to you from us!
Wow Suz. There is a lot of stuff in that box ~ not just the physical things either…
I can’t say it any better than Liz did above, I’m glad that the history in that box is no longer holding your soul for ransom. I’m amazed at your courage in sharing so much of your heart here. I am also thankful for the sharing of your heart and journey ~ you have helped me so much in my own journey through that sharing.
Sending you much love, light, and healing!
I have a box too – I wonder how many of us do… Bizarrely, I chose a Victoria’s Secret box (HOW INAPPROPRIATE!) and it moved around the country with me for 20+ years. It was one of the first things I put away when I moved, always placed on an out-of-the-way shelf in a closet (to minimize exposure to it and to keep my skeleton in its proper place). I would bring it out and go through the documents, letters and mementos routinely, but not often. I didn’t have access to a copier, so I re-wrote a copy of every letter I sent to my daughter’s parents to keep for myself. I hated those letters almost as soon as I wrote them – they were so self-deprecating and trivialized what really transpired between us.
Not long after my reunion, I had the luxury of sitting down with my daughter and going through the contents of ‘the box’ (thankfully, VS didn’t travel well and was replaced with a floral photo box). This was a dream realized, as that was always my hope/intention. I told her to pick anything she wanted and she chose my hospital bracelet & the only photo I have of us together in the hospital – a photo I spent hours agonizing over/studying for the years the ensued. She was the only one who could have ever taken those sacred pieces from me.
Off topic, but related: Today, I was in a strategic planning meeting with the owners of my company, several other key employees and a hired creative firm who is guiding us through a discovery process. We all had to discuss our roles, strengths/weaknesses, likes/dislikes and what we hoped to accomplish. Within 5 minutes of speaking, my 50+ year old boss blurts out he is an adopted child and his life’s modus operandi has been to prove himself and that his measure of worth was determined by success – because his mother gave him away. It cut like a knife.
WOAH. Hil, I can imagine. If only we had been told the truth….
So painful to view, I’m in tears. Like evidence of a crime, “The Box” would make it real even for people living in Happy Fairy and Unicorn Adoption Land. I want to scream when I think about any society/religion who would ask a mother to let go of her flesh and blood to appease it. Adoption is an insidious monster. (((Suz))) We all love you and wish you a fast recovery.
Your slideshow is so powerful. Wow. I am new here–so I don’t know what happened following reunion. I will be reading on…
Best,
Jennifer
xoxo Just stopping by. Feel like I am creepin your page if I don’t send a little hello! Love ya!
Hey cutie! How iz you! Stop by anytime!
I am good. Getting ready for little Miss Gracie’s bday party, but we really need to catch up soon!!! Been watching you through FB and blog eyes but we need a catch-up chat!! Love you and let’s have a “coffee conversation” over the phone soon.