I'm currently writing a series of nine books about eight adopted siblings and their adoptive parents. What a chance to explore the roles of parents and of parenting!
Some of these siblings will have babies of their own or become stepparents when they marry. They will also confront issues concerning their biological parents and why they could not stay with those parents.
These stories will also show the bond of love between siblings who don't share the same bloodlines, but have formed a tight-knit family. The foundation of that family will be shaken over the course of this series of books, but will emerge strong enough to support a new generation.
I worked for twenty years in an agency that included child welfare, foster care, and adoptions. Of course there were hundreds and hundreds of heartbreaking cases. However, I was most fascinated by how the children reacted. Some of them never recovered from the traumas of their childhoods, while others triumphed over all the odds against them.
It is that triumphant spirit I love to write about. It's been really interesting to explore how the events of their childhoods shaped these characters, as well as how traumatic events such as the destruction of their fictional home town affects each of them. And, of course, how their adoptive parents provided a heroic legacy for each of these siblings to emulate.
Do you have a parent or adult role model you particularly admire? I'd love to hear your story!
Both my parents were fantastic role models. They made sure I understood that I could do anything I wanted. I'm sure in many ways they treated me differently than they would have if I had been a boy. Yet I grew up with a great sense of self-worth. I will always value their extraordinary parenting.
ReplyDeleteMy view of my parents did a 180 when I got old enough to realize the truth of the situation. While I was growing up, my father, a US Marine, was pictured as the strong, silent type. My mother took the role of quiet, dependent type.
ReplyDeleteYet as I grew into adulthood, I realized my parents weren't at all what I had learned growing up. My mother was immensely strong, leading the family while my father was away on Marine Corps business. At my mother's death, it became very obvious who the rock in the family was. I still view my father as a strong shouldered hero. Always will I guess. Both of my parents gave me a firm foundation for a good life. There isn't enough thanks in the world to show how appreciative I am.
Sable Angel
Chris, how wonderful that your parents were such great role models! A solid sense of self-worth is so important to accomplishing your goals.
ReplyDelete-Amber Angel
Hi, Sable Angel!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it interesting how our perception of our parents can change as we ourselves change from child to adult? Best of all, you still built that foundation to live well!
-Amber Angel