For those who live in the State of Washington, here’s how to find information on how to contact your legislator.  Visit www.leg.wa.gov. If you don’t know  what district you live in or the name of your legislators, click “Find Your Legislator” on the upper left-hand side and enter your address in the search field.  You can then contact your legislator by email, phone, or fax using the contact information provided.  Don’t be shy — your legislators need to hear from you! 

Idaho residents can visit www.legislature.idaho.gov for contact information for their legislators.

There is a great deal in the news these days about adoption; especially as it relates to the children struck by the tragedy of the earthquake in Haiti.  At times like this, we say prayers to God and meet together in our various faiths.  We pray that all children will find a home.  Adoption is a great opportunity for a child who might otherwise face a life without a mother or father.  It is also a wonderful way for couples to shower their love and compassion on a child in need.

In the midst of this love and kindness, however, some adopted children will struggle with identity issues, especially when they reach the adolescent years. This is more likely to happen if they are adopted at an older age. It may be inevitable that adopted children one day ask, “Why did my mother abandon me?” Sadly, a child might ask this question even if the mother had no choice in the matter, or if both parents died in an accident or a natural disaster like Haiti.

The majority of adopted children will struggle at some point in their lives. In some cases this struggle may be internal and barely make it to the surface. In other cases it can become a raging fire. It is important for all parents and the community to be there to show love and compassion to the adopted child.

The hardest part for parents in this situation is to not take it personally when their adopted teen appears to be rejecting them.  It isn’t that the child no longer loves them; more often than not, they really do love them. It’s more likely that they don’t quite know where they fit in or where they belong at this point, so they lash out at everyone.

The best thing for all adoptive parents to do is to continue to provide love and consistency in the home. While disrespect must be addressed, battles need to picked wisely.  Eventually, the teen will work through it.  Responding negatively to the teen’s apparent ungrateful attitude, giving up, or trying to “fix” the problem through giving the child more “things” or unwarranted freedoms will only add to their mixed up sense of self.  It is a lifelong challenge.

Time and stability are needed elements as teens work through their issues. They need the steadying influence and love of their parents. Parents need to be there for support and to help them sort it all out. 

I am interested in hearing your adoption experiences and struggles. Any suggestions to other adoptive parents would be very helpful.

Strawberry Bonbon Soup

Try this unique strawberry bonbon soup.  This soup is a favorite of our family.  For a festive presentation, serve in a clear glass dessert bowl or a martini glass with a strawberry over the rim.

Ingredients for soup:

2  c. strawberries, sliced

1  c. plain yogurt

¼ c. red grape juice or sweet and fragrant red wine (Muscat)

1  Tbs. sugar, or to taste

sprigs of fresh mint, for garnish

whole strawberries, for garnish

Ingredients for chocolate sauce:

1  oz. unsweetened baking chocolate

1  tsp. butter

3  Tbs. pure maple syrup

1  Tbs. cream or half and half cream

Directions for soup:

1. In blender, add all soup ingredients; purée.
2. Adjust sweetening to taste.
3. Cover; refrigerate 3 hours before serving.

Direction for chocolate sauce:

1. In top pan of double boiler, add chocolate and butter.
2. Stir over simmering water until melted.
3. Remove top pan from double boiler.
4. Whisk in maple syrup and cream until smooth.
5. Serve immediately, or set aside and bring to room temperature.
6. To serve, drizzle a swirl of chocolate sauce over bowls of chilled soup.
7. Garnish with fresh mint and strawberries.
8. Note:  This soup and the chocolate sauce will keep in separate, covered containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
9. When chilled, the sauce becomes firm; reheat in the microwave on high for about 30 seconds, or until softened; stir before using.

Yields: 2½ cups or 4 servings.

Taken from Valentine Delights Cookbook by Karen Jean Matsko Hood.  This book may be purchased from Karen’s Bookstore.