Update: ADOPTION COMPLETE
June 2010, Charlotte, North Carolina USA
This post is long overdue.
I now understand the true nature of what it is to be part of a family. The joy and challenge that comes with loving fearlessly. It isn't easy for me. I have had many quiet moments of difficulty trying desperately to understand how to love, contribute and be accountable.
My adopted family -- Steve and Karen -- have taught me what it is to be loved unconditionally. That love has translated and transformed my life into one worth getting up for every morning. I didn't think it was possible to feel a part of something.
When I first met them, I didn't understand how breathtakingly challenging taking the first step would be; how much I would need to change in order to accept love. They never left me even though I wanted to abandon my own hope and in turn, myself. They stood their ground, never flinching, never turning away.
Admittedly it is unnerving to be loved so much when I had not previously known such kindness. That love has allowed me to change my life. I have found my family. This adoption is complete. It has made all the difference. I'm pleased to report that this concept of finding a family has been successful through will and determination, a dash of luck and an unlimited supply of love.
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SEEKING FAMILY: My name is Jenna
Ad placed: April 2008
I'm 47 and live in Charlotte, North Carolina. I'm the founder of this site, which will eventually function as a family-finding expedition for some, networking for others. For all who have been without a feeling of family, familywanted has become a place to understand the power of not being alone. This 'first ad' is a pilot program, using myself as the model to see, if in fact, it's possible to find a family by advertising, ala the internet and via the good old fashioned US mail.
To all of the folks who've been loyal supporters of this site, this ad represents a bridge. If this experiment works and if there is enough interest, via The Human Family Project and available revenue to launch this portion of the site, there will be an opportunity to help more people.
Most of all, this advertisement for a family shines a light on all the folks who have written in earnest, stories of hope and courage in The Human Family Project and who will one day wish to notch up their search for a family of their own.
To all who have hope and for a miscellany of reasons don't have the good fortune of a supportive family, this ad is a placeholder of possibility for the future success of familywanted.
Currently, I am seeking a family. This bold move by an otherwise timid woman was originally inspired by a news story aired on NPR about an older Italian living in Rome seeking a family to share his life with.
My reasons for seeking a family at this time are complicated. I became estranged from my biological family over fifteen years ago. And though I have a deep reverence and sense of humility for those individuals, all reconciliation efforts have been exhausted. To allow my story to be revealed has been challenging. However, for the few who now know they are not alone, it has been a worthwhile effort.
For the last decade I have had a lot of time to reflect. Traveling around the country and world I have been a keen observer of family relationships, gleaning tidbits of what I've been missing. What I've noticed is that every family has more than its share of hardship, joy, sorrow and love.
Functional families enjoy a sense of belonging. Among other things, what a functional family has is an ability to work through the ups and downs of life.
What do I have to offer a family? I do have a lot of love to give and have worked to be a responsible person. I've failed a lot, but I am beginning to understand that to 'not try' is the true failure. I would like to know what it is to be loved by an extended family group that wishes to include me.
Some of you will know this is my second time for advertising such a situation. I was fortunate enough to be included in a very loving family for a period of three years. During that period, I experienced encouragement and hope and the feeling of place. I learned what it is to be part of a family.
Most of all I began to understand that the feeling of family is a journey that begins inside me. What this family gave me was a life changing opportunity, one which I am extremely grateful for. This family wanted to encourage me and allow for healing, which is exactly what did take place. A dream come true and a beginning, signalling vast change.
I am a designer by trade. In my business, I have been in charge of developing identities for clients. A term called branding. Ironically, even though I am in the identity business I have very little sense of who I am deep down. I suppose that is another reason to step out publicly and continue to turn my fate in an upward direction.
I am seeking a family with parents in their 60s or older who yearn to have a creative daughter like me. A whole family, who would be able to discuss the opportunity in a way that would allow for sincere decision-making. I am seeking a situation which is based on love and acceptance.
If you are a couple in your 60s or older who would like to contact me about my desire for family, I welcome your response. I welcome sincere honest responses by mail only. Please reply to Family, POB 5027, Charlotte, NC 28299.