I am a Public Radio addict. One of my favorite radio programs is called This American Life. It is sort of a quirky and brilliantly written offering that always makes me think.
Recently I was listening to an archived episode written by Alix Spiegel about this couple that decides to adopt a Romanian child only to discover in short time that their new son suffers from attachment disorder. This disorder, they learn, is the result of early years of neglect and lack of human contact while living in the Romanian orphanage. As things progress their son becomes more violent and difficult. Nevertheless they forge through raising him even though it is a huge struggle that threatens their safety and marriage.
The adoptive mother, in particular, simply will not give up trying treatments to help her son. In the end the boy does manage to overcome some of the challenges of the disorder. Alix summarizes her thoughts on this love of the mother who keeps trying no matter what. "If you are a person who actually needs love, really needs love, chances are you are not the type of person who has the wherewithal to create it. Creating love is not for the soft and sentimental among us. Love is a tough business."
In our book Under the Tea Leaves, Mom and I reflect on our choice to blend our family, join our efforts, and commit to the tough work of creating love and relationship. We will share our thoughts and read excerpts from the book and join in discussion with guests over tea on January 20, 2008 1 to 3 p.m. at Beaverdale Books.
photo by indieink, powered by flickr
Jan Davis, certified tea blender and owner of Grounds for Celebration, will present information about the art of blending tea and share samples for guests of this event!