The story of our family's journey from infertility to 14 adopted children with special needs. A story of hope, heart aches and miracles. Paula Charlebois and her husband have fostered thirty children. They have adopted twelve of these children and are the permanent legal guardians of two others. Paula wanted to tell their story so that more people might consider this as an option when planning their families.

On January 26, 2019, just weeks after celebrating the birth of their first grandchild, Dawn Ruggie received the call that no parent should ever get. Her beautiful daughter, Brielle, was very ill and in the emergency room. Brielle, a vibrant 21-year-old who had recently given birth to a baby girl, was on the verge of realizing all of her dreams. From the time the Ruggie's fostered and adopted her, they all looked forward to a time when the grip of her past let her free. When Dawn arrived at the hospital, Brielle was much worse than she expected; an unknown infection was ravaging her body. Dawn had just spent the day with her and couldn't understand how this perfectly healthy mother could become gravely ill in such a short time? Picking Up the Pieces is the story of Brielle's journey from an abused child, caught in the foster system while speaking little to no English, to a happy thriving young mom. And how her mother, Dawn, and the rest of her family, are picking up the pieces to carry on her daughter's memory. "What if my purpose in life is to be a mom, her mom, and to share her story, our story, to help others? I can't walk away from the opportunity that has presented itself in my thoughts, even if I can't not see a clear path." says Dawn. It is the story of a mother's journey through grief and with God's help the realization that she can carry on Brie's legacy of courage and love to help other families walking a similar path.

This book covers common open adoption situations and how real families have navigated typical issues successfully. Like all useful parenting books, it provides parents with the tools to come to answers on their own, and answers questions that might not yet have come up.

When the anticipation of your child’s birth turns into the grief of miscarriage, tubal pregnancy, stillbirth, or early infant death, no words on earth can ease your loss. But there is strength and encouragement in the wisdom of others who have been there and found that God’s comfort is real.Having experienced three miscarriages and the death of an infant son, Kathe Wunnenberg knows the deep anguish of losing a child. Grieving the Child I Never Knew was born from her personal journey through sorrow. It is a wise and tender companion for mothers whose hearts have been broken--mothers like you whose dreams have been shattered and who wonder how to go on. This devotional collection will help you grieve honestly and well. With seasoned insights and gentle questions, it invites you to present your hurts before God, and to receive over time the healing that He alone can--and will--provide. Each devotion includes:* Scripture passage and prayer* "Steps Toward Healing" questions * Space for journalingReadings for holidays and special occasions also included

Redeem Your Adoption Journey In this groundbreaking book, adoption advocates Betsy S. Kylstra, Lisa C. Qualls, and Jodi Jackson Tucker--an adoptee, a birth mother, and an adoptive mother--reveal that adoption is rooted in both loss and redemptive victory. And healing is needed by all in the adoption triad--adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents--to experience restoration and wholeness. In these pages you'll find the practical teaching, spiritual guidance, and strategic prayers you need to transform your adoption journey, including how to · address the spiritual challenges created by adoption · identify the path to healing for each person in the triad · overcome loss, grief, shame, hurt--and more · experience restoration and healing through the love of Jesus While the emotions of the adoption journey are complicated, the compassionate approach in this book will help your heart heal as you place it safely in God's hands. "This book is at once personal testimony and practical guidance, aching confession and breathtaking faith, private prayer and invitation into prayerful fellowship."-- JEDD AND RACHEL MEDEFIND, Christian Alliance for Orphans "The authors generously share their stories with raw authenticity and deep wisdom."--JAMIE FINN, founder and author, Foster the Family

Guide to becoming a parent through adoption.

"Some families are created in different ways but are still, in every way, a family." Writer and star of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Nia Vardalos firmly believed she was supposed to be a mom, but Mother Nature and modern medicine had put her in a headlock. So she made a choice that shocked friends, family, and even herself: with only fourteen hours' notice, she adopted a preschooler. Instant Mom is Vardalos's poignant and hilarious true chronicle of trying to become a mother while fielding nosy "frenemies" and Hollywood reporters asking, "Any baby news?" With genuine and frank honesty, she describes how she and husband Ian Gomez eventually found their daughter . . . and what happened next. Vardalos explores innovative ways to conquer the challenges all new moms face, from sleep to personal grooming, and learns that whether via biology, relationship, or adoption—motherhood comes in many forms. The book includes laugh-out-loud behind the scenes Hollywood anecdotes, plus an Appendix on how to adopt worldwide. Vardalos will donate proceeds from the book sales to charities. Vardalos candidly shares her instant motherhood story that is relatable for all new moms (and dads!)