Reading through documentation from a half-baked adoption file is the only way to “jarg” Michelle’s repressed memories of her childhood. As she sifts through the notes that a social worker has penned, she learns that her early life included living in a motel that housed prostitutes and drug addicts. A line that jumps off the page of that report states “it is a great concern that she was allowed to spend the first three years of her life here.” This begins Michelle’s journey into the foster care system, but ultimately becoming an adoptee.
Throughout her time within the foster care system, Michelle endures unspeakable trauma. So much so, she becomes selectively mute. Ultimately, a new home is identified for Michelle, and she has a “resting place,” where she at least receives her basic needs, educational and mental health supports, as well as unbreakable bonds with the other children in her home that were fostered and then adopted.
The resilience and power within this story are unparalleled. It’s a testament to triumphing in the midst of tribulations, deciding for oneself that you won’t be a victim, and creating connections with people that are going to build you up and celebrate your “wins,” at all times.
Get into this nightmare turned beautiful beginning. We’re inspired, and know you will be too. Take a listen to Season 4, Episode 45. Share. Subscribe. Leave a review.
SHOW NOTES
CONNECT WITH US!
- Black to the Beginning on Instagram
- Black to the Beginning on Facebook
- Black to the Beginning on Youtube
RECOMMENDED ADOPTION RESOURCES
- LISTEN: Voices of the Black Adoption Experience and African American adoptees on The Black Adoption Podcast
- Black Adoptee Support Group on Instagram @blackadopteesupportgroup
- REQUIRED READING: Black to the Beginning Reads Bookshop - A carefully curated list of #BTTBreads...for the culture!
SUPPORT THE BLACK ADOPTION PODCAST
- SUPPORTER: Make a monthly contribution of $0.99, $4.99, or $9.99
- PayPal/Zelle: info@blacktothebeginning.com
- SHOP Black to the Beginning
SHARE YOUR BLACK ADOPTION STORY
#ADOPTION #FOSTERCARE #SELFMANAGEMENT
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com