We found the support group for our area. I think I mentioned that already. We love it!
At least I love it… I’m not sure how Tom feels about it. He had to miss the second meeting because he had to work, but he went to the first one with me. He didn’t seem to feel strongly about it one way or the other. Maybe it’ll grow on him. Maybe it won’t. We’ll see.
The group has given us the chance to get to know a little about our post-adoption support coordinator, she coordinates the meetings. So she is there each month. As long as we’re there, she’s there.
It has also allowed us to meet three other adoptive families! I’m so excited! I love hearing their stories and their suggestions. I love hearing about their difficulties and their struggles.
That almost sounds mean…
But… it is so helpful for us to hear from people who really have adopted, and who have experience to pass on. And I am hoping we can form a real support network, get to know these people, have regular communications with them, rather than just showing up for a meeting once a month.
Maybe it’s silly, but I’ve actually considered inviting them all over sometime, just for a barbeque or something. Maybe if I did something like that it would give us the opportunity to spend some time together and get to know each other outside of the meetings. Hopefully build some actual friendships.
Is it weird that I want so much more out of this group than just a monthly meeting to discuss our children?
I have already written about what I want out of a group, and I really was hoping to get to know people who I would feel comfortable calling on if I needed something, and who would feel comfortable calling me if they needed something in return. I don’t think those sorts of relationships are built during monthly meetings. They are built when you go beyond the monthly meeting, and you get to know each other as friends, not just fellow adoptive parents.
Maybe I should give it a couple months and see what happens. Maybe I should wait until we have actually adopted…
I can be a little bit impatient at times.