|
I have worked in the child welfare field for 28 years, working with children in residential treatment, crisis intervention, and investigating child abuse and neglect. For the past 14 years, I have helped build families through adoption at the Wyoming Children’s Society. Throughout my career, I have witnessed the importance of family. Every child needs and deserves a family to call their own — with parents who accept and love them unconditionally.
When I tell people where I work and what I do they respond by saying, “What a happy and fun job.” I agree I have the best “job” anyone could ever have, but to say it is always happy somehow diminishes the painful decisions a birthmother makes when she says, “I want to give my child all the things I can’t give them right now — the security of a stable family. I want to place my baby for adoption.” I have never met a birthmother who did not love her child — she displays the ultimate selfless love.
Adoption has blessed me with three beautiful children. My husband and I have four children — three were born in Korea and joined our family through adoption. We were able to give birth to one daughter. Each of our children has a special story of their birth or homecoming. Their stories are as unique and individual as they are. I can say there is nothing like the feeling you experience the first time you hold your child in your arms — whether that child was placed there by a social worker or by a doctor shortly after birth, the love you feel is so intense. I am always grateful for the sacrifices my children’s birthparents made.
I remember several years ago, I was tucking my daughter, Emily, into bed. We were discussing the next day’s events. She asked me if I would be at school for a reading celebration and I said, “If I can reschedule a home visit, I will be there.” Emily looked at me and said, “I didn’t know you had a job.” Of course she didn’t! I don’t feel like I have to go to “work” each day. I am able to simply help children find families and families find children. My work is simply an extension of my life.
If you choose to build your family through adoption, you will soon discover the joy of building your family in this special way. If you decide the Wyoming Children’s Society is the agency to help you with adoption, I look forward to joining you in this remarkable journey.
~Carol Burman-Lindly
Board of Directors
Carol Burman Lindly, Director
Ellen McGee, Adoption Specialist
Patricia McDaniel, Special Programs Coordinator
|
