This past Sunday I did something I've never quite done before; I went to a hotel, ate, drank and talked about life... with other adopted people. Oh no, this was something I've never experienced.
Sunday was the official day of the Adoptee Rights Demonstration which was held in Louisville, KY this year. Unforunately, I missed the march, I tried to make it but there was just no way as my car has a personal vendetta against me and is on vacation at the auto repair, so I had to hitch a ride and thankfully, made it in time to finally meet my favorite people.
I can't begin to explain the emotions I was feeling on the drive there. When I started walking toward the restaurant, my stomach was in knots. I got there and immediately saw Claudia Corrigan D'arcy's red hair, there my people were, sitting together in one location. Theresa Hood was the first one I saw and hugged. These fellow adoptees know my life story, my personality, my politics, my religion, or lack thereof, my thoughts, yet to see everyone in person was so, so amazing yet so nerve-wracking at the same time. I couldn't think anything but 'they're going to ask me to leave' and 'they're going to hate me'... I know, how insanely adopted of me. Those thoughts could not have been farther from how I knew they would make me feel. I was seriously home with these amazing people.
I was there for only 19 hours, but it felt triple that amount of time. So in 19 hours, I got to have a real honest conversation with more than one person (which is so rare, isn't it?), drink some "il bastardo" wine, hug Linda Gambino, share a bed with Claudia (whom has to be coolest mom on the planet), and earned the affection of Jeni's adorable dog Gracie.
There were so many I wish I could have spent more time with, but I just want to thank Jeni, Claudia, Theresa and Diane for listening to my story and giving me that validation and kindness that is much appreciated. I cannot thank you guys enough.
I cannot wait to see you all again next year in San Antonio (and we thought the Ohio Valley was hot...).
For those of you who want to learn more about Adoptee Rights, donate and see photos/video from the protest, visit the main page here.
Nikki, I'm so glad I got to meet you. I wish we had had more time. I cannot wait until next year. You are right, it was amazing to meet everyone. And nerve-wrecking. But mostly amazing. Be well.
Deep bow to you and to everyone who made this year's demo a reality!! Thank you for your incredible work!!
Can't wait to see you next year! :-)