Pushing on a Rope
Mother
Flashback Friday — Here’s lookin’ at you, Mom
Don’t you love this photo? It’s my mom, Ginger Salvatore. I’m not sure what year this was taken or why she’s posing, but I see a certain movie-star quality to this shot that she will surely deny. (And I can see why her wedding gown had an 18-inch waistline.) This photo was taken at her … Continue reading
It’s Complicated: An Adoptee’s Road to Search, Part 1
I received a lovely note in my inbox last week: Judy, a friend from my school days, used my story in talking with her 12-year-old adopted daughter Mollie. It seems friends at camp were shocked to discover Mollie isn’t interested in searching for her birth parents. Judy told Mollie that she has Judy’s blessing if … Continue reading
Frank talk about the birds and the bees
Our weekend has been for the birds. Really. Some new neighbors — well, they’re only passing through, I’m sure — showed up in the cork tree outside the kitchen door. Four baby robins hatched a few days ago and are keeping their mom — and us — very busy. We’ve been glued to the nest … Continue reading
They’re looking into it … Christmas is coming, the check’s the mail. Oh hell, insert your cliche here
Got a letter from Albany this week. Yes, you could have knocked me over with a feather. Oh, not because I think Gov. Cuomo himself actually read my letter and its enclosed copy of my April 6 blog post urging passage of the adoptees’ rights legislation. I suspect some poorly paid intern plugged my name, … Continue reading
Can you hear me now?
A lot is made of mother’s guilt, especially working mother’s guilt. Been there, done that. I’ve sobbed in the car after dropping a reluctant toddler at day care — and watching her little face pressed up against the classroom window begging me to stay. (And I’ve returned to said day care and had to convince … Continue reading
A plea to NY’s lawmakers: Support the adoptee rights bill
The year-old twins who live behind us caught my eye out the kitchen window last week. Already, they are walking, their chubby legs wobbling under the task, each cock-eyed step a victory. Dressed alike in pink dresses and polka-dot sweaters, they offered a delightful distraction to my washing up. I smiled the whole time I … Continue reading
A letter to the mother I’ve never known
Dear Patricia: It’s me, Jennifer. I’m here, all grown up with a child of my own, wishing I was speaking to you instead of writing a letter I hope you might see in cyberspace. And today is our day — the day that seals our fate, and continues to toy with our emotions. I hope … Continue reading
Search of a lifetime
While most of the rest of the world has focused on Steve Jobs‘ formidable business success since his death earlier this week, I’ve been fascinated by another part of the story: Like me, Steve Jobs was adopted. Although intensely private, the Apple co-founder and visionary spoke about his adoption in the now-ubiquitous commencement address he … Continue reading
Why I’m Pushing on a Rope
Just what the world needs, another blogger, right? But don’t be too quick to close your browser. Let’s get to know each other first. I’m Terri S. Vanech, a Connecticut wife and mother trying to keep my sense of humor while navigating life’s crazy twists and turns. A refugee from the newsroom, I’m crafting a … Continue reading
Pushing on a Rope 