Card of the Month - April 2010

Design 1104w


"Stolen from You"

Designed by Jeanette Broekman and Megan Whittington (Adoptees)
Inspired by Patricia Clarke. (dec.05 - Natural Mother to Jeanette)

Artwork: Jeanette Broekman

Design 1104w is available in the above design, as well as a design that includes the Natural Father in the imagery. Depending on your circumstances, both cards have an identical message, and the meaning interpreted below can be applied to both designs. For the purpose of this card review, I will concentrate on the above design.

Design 1104w was created to acknowledge natural mothers who lost their child to the adoption process, a process which is now being recognised by various Australian State Departments, and some hospitals as the White Stolen Generation of Australia.

It is believed by many that the Government of Australia will deliver a Public Apology for past practices of Adoption, illegal and otherwise to the women, children and families whose lives have been traumatised by the Adoption Act. It is hoped that the apology will be delivered in the latter part of 2010.

History will show that it was not a period of so called "unwanted babies" but more accurately, it was a generation of "unwanted mothers". A system where, when a woman was "unmarried" and vulnerable with no family support, she met the criteria to be entered into this system of Adoption and she was now referred to as a "relinquishing mother".

It is commonly reported that the Natural Mother felt as though she was given no choice. There were no alternatives given to her that would support her keeping her baby.

The Natural Mother was judged for wanting to keep her baby, and was judged on the belief at the time that she "gave away" her baby. This was a system that took no responsibility for its actions. A system that denied her the support and love of her family by promoting them to feel "shamed by their daughter's actions" a system that said "this is for the best" - "think of the child", "if you love your child, you will give it away, to people who can give your child everything", "don't you want your child to have everything dear?, everything that's important", "one day, when your married, you can have a child of your own" ......."You will forget about this, and move on with your life".

For many Natural Mothers, this trauma has been a part of their lives, hidden in a deep and dark secret place. Not to be talked about, but to be forgotten about. No Mother forgets that she has had a child, however the tactics used at the time, gave the Natural Mother no outlet, and often caused her to "split off" from herself in order to cope.

These women were subjected to many forms of abuse whilst being incarcerated in "homes for single mothers" which was not unlike being in prison. Days were spent cleaning and cooking right up until the time the baby was born. Once in the hospital, the young mother was further abused by being drugged, bullied and made to feel unfit and worthless. Often, she was unable to see, touch, hold or feed her baby which was illegal. It was also common practice to deny the mother ever laying her eyes on her baby, or knowing the sex of her baby.
She was lied to, tricked, and given misleading information all in an attempt to take her baby from her, without her being empowered to do anything about it.

Mothers today are speaking out about this abuse, and the acknowledgement that they deserve for the lifetime of heartache and trauma, the suffering and all the years lost. One of the biggest struggles for Mothers is the public idea that they willingly gave their child away. So often, the adoptee thinks and feels as though they were not wanted. This is far from the truth, and Mothers around the world are saying - I did not give you away, you were stolen from me.

This card aims to be a vehicle for the Adoptee to share with their Natural Mother, that they understand the social issues surrounding the time of their birth, and that they return with love and understanding.
The image on the front of this card is a Mother, gripping onto her broken heart, her heart has been frozen in time, and cast in stone, the pain is to much to endure. She stands bent over, and head bowed. The crib is empty. She looks forever down at the emptiness and is de-compartmentalised until her baby returns.
Inside the card reads - returning to you with love and understanding.

For the Natural Mother, this information is vital, and a much needed lifeline. To know that their child understands is a great source of comfort and inner peace, a step toward healing.
This card represents an important stage in the process of reunion, and can assist the Natural Mother to express her feelings to her child and vice versa.

For adoptees, it is a major transition to go from "unwated baby" to "stolen baby" and neither of these "titles" brings any joy. It is a frustrating bewildering space for the adoptee, causing them immense trauma and anger.
In order for adoptees to recognise the difference of the two abovementioned titles, governments play a role in the education of the public and the issues surrounding the Adoption Act, and why adoption was utilised and seen as a solution to "single Motherhood".

In support of Natural Mother's, this card can be sent at any time the Adoptee feels that they want to express the sentiments of this card.

It can be sent prior to a reunion, early reunion or later when a relationship has been formed and tested. Mother's Day, Father's Day, any day.

This card is typically sent by the adoptee to the Natural Mother. Also available is the same card, that includes imagery on the front of the card of the Natural Mother and Natural Father. A very meaningful and powerful message to convey, which is of great significance to all involved.
This design is available as:

Greeting Card - view card in full with option to purchase

Design 1104w - Stolen from You.  $4.95au
Art Work - view artwork and available formats

Printed Reproductions on Canvas, Vinyl, Photo, Poster mounted and unmounted.

Card of the Month - March 2010

Design 110

 

"Welcome Home"

Designed by Jeanette Broekman and Megan Whittington (Adoptees)
Inspired by Patricia Clarke. (dec.05 - Natural Mother to Jeanette)
Artwork: Patricia Clarke

Design 110, Welcomes home the one who has been away.

Under circumstances of separation, be it in the form of a lifetime, or a shorter period - the meaning behind this card is clear and simple. "Welcome Home".

The image on the front of this card is a house positioned in and amongst green rolling hills, the glowing light inside the house indicates that someone is home; the lights are on and a fireplace provides warmth and coziness. The scene is set at sunset, and there is a storm brewing in the high clouds.

Home is the place where families come together and share their lives. This image portrays warmth and love, a cozy and inviting family setting, the rolling hills representing the roller coaster of life that impacts families, a beautiful sunset giving rise to the good times, and the high clouds indicate a storm brewing. Safety and protection from the storm is within the walls of the family home.

There is a sense of belonging.

This card is suitable for people who have been separated and are now reuniting. This card sends a clear and simple but important message.

This card is typically sent by either the Natural Mother, or Natural Father to the child. A very meaningful and powerful message to convey to the adopted child, which is of great significance to all involved.

This card can also be used under many other circumstances, by anyone who simply wants to welcome someone home for any reason.

This design is available as:
Greeting Card - view card in full with option to purchase

Design 110 - Welcome Home.  $4.95au
Bookmark - view bookmark in full with option to purchase

Design 110bm - Welcome Home. $2.00au
Art Work - view artwork and available formats

Printed Reproductions on Canvas, Vinyl, Photo, Poster mounted and unmounted.

Card of the Month February 2010

Design 109


"Sisters"

Designed by Jeanette Broekman and Megan Whittington (Adoptee's)
Inspired by Patricia Clarke. (dec.05 - Natural Mother to Jeanette)

Artwork: Netty Broekman

Design 109, is a card in the Reunite Cards range that is blank on the inside, leaving the sender to write a personal message.


The image on the front of this card is a scene of four women who are sisters.
This card can be sent by one sister to another whether they grew up together, or whether they came to know of each other later in life.


For the sender and receiver, this card is a reinforcing gesture, and can assist in the bonding of sisters and the importance of the relationships to all parties concerned.


This design is available as:

Greeting Card - view card in full with option to purchase

Design 109 - Sisters.  $4.95au

Bookmarks - view bookmark in full with option to purchase

Design 109bm - Sisters.  $2.00au

Card of the Month - January 2010

Design 108


"Birthdays"

Designed by Jeanette Broekman and Megan Whittington (Adoptee's)
Inspired by Patricia Clarke. (dec.05 - Natural Mother to Jeanette)

Artwork: Jeanette Broekman

Design 108, is card that represents the years gone by that the Mother was unable to celebrate her Child's birthday in the usual ways.

The image on the front of the card is a crying eye, with the sun located in the background. Also seen here is the colours of day and night, and the word "please".

Inside the card, is a statement that tells the child that birthday's have been incredibly difficult, and that the only way to get through those days was to brace herself.

The above review can be related to by any Mother who has been unable to celebrate the birthday of her child. Albeit a card that leans towards the negative feelings of the Mother, it is a card that can be used to tell the child that they were thought of on their birthdays, and that it was incredibly painful to be apart on those days.

For the adoptee, this information is vital. To know that they were thought of on those days is one of the single most asked questions an adoptee may have for their natural parents.

This card is suitable for Natural Mothers who have been separated from their child, and are now reuniting. This card aims to give the Natural Mother a symbolic expression of her painful experience. This card represents an important stage in the reunion process, and can assist the Natural Mother to express her feelings to her child. The child, in some cases may be saddened by the pain shown in this card, however - in time and with maturity, an appreciation for the Natural Mother's need to express her feelings in this way will be treasured by most.

In support of Natural Mother's expressing themselves, this card can be sent at any time the Mother feels that she would want to express to her child the thoughts and feelings she has experienced on that very special day. It can be sent prior to a reunion, early reunion or later when a relationship has been formed and tested.
This design is available as:

Greeting Card - view card in full with option to purchase

Design 106 - Birthdays.  $4.95au

Card of the Month - December 2009

Design 106


"After all these years"

Designed by Jeanette Broekman and Megan Whittington (Adoptee's)
Inspired by Patricia Clarke. (dec.05 - Natural Mother to Jeanette)

Photography/Digital Artwork: Jeanette Broekman

Design 106, comes to life when the card is opened. The image on the front of the card signifies a Mother who has lost her child for many years, holding that child dear to their heart, yet the emptiness and darkness seen on the front of the card represents the feeling that she is missing an arm. Albeit a perceived amputation, the arms that were meant to hold her child, are filled with emptiness.

Once opened, immediately the image on the front of the card is transformed into a sense of fullness, warmth and contentment - the verse inside acknowledges that she has reunited with her child, and the sense she felt of a perceived amputation, has now faded into the background making way for the new sensation, that now, finally, after all these years, the day has come when her baby's return has filled her empty arms.

The above review can be related to by any Mother who has lost their child in a shopping center, or even less threatening, the child being in the care of a babysitter, or having a sleep over at a friend's house. Often, Mother's feel as though they are missing an arm when their child is away from them. For Natural Mother's, who have lost their children for many, many years, and the experience of never having their child back, until such time as a reunion many years later, these Mum's are left in that torturous state of missing a limb, so to speak.

This card is suitable for Natural Mothers who have been separated from their child, and are now reuniting. This card aims to give the Natural Mother a symbolic expression of her pain and emptiness, as well as her joy and fulfillment. This card represents an important stage in the reunion process, and can assist the Natural Mother to express her feelings to her child. The child, in some cases may be overwhelmed with the enormity of the message, however - in time and with maturity, an appreciation for the Natural Mother's need to express her feelings in this way will be treasured by most.

In support of Natural Mother's expressing themselves, this card can be sent at any time the Mother physically feels that her child has returned to her, whether it be early on in the reunion, or later when a relationship has been formed and tested.

This card is also suitable for First Time New Mother’s who have experienced miscarriage/s.

This design is available as:
Greeting Card - view card in full with option to purchase

Design 106 - After all these years.  $4.95au
Bookmark - view bookmark with option to purchase

Design 1101 -Lost & Found $2.00au
Art Work - view artwork and available formats

Printed Reproductions on Canvas, Vinyl, Photo, Poster mounted and unmounted.

Card of the Month - November 2009

Design 104

"You"

Designed by Jeanette Broekman and Megan Whittington (Adoptees)
Inspired by Patricia Clarke. (dec.05 - Natural Mother to Jeanette)
Artwork: Ben Broekman

Design 104, states the obvious, everybody knows it - and this card reinforces it - The child is always powerfully important to a person. This card, titled "You" is a thoughtful and positive card to send or to receive.

Under circumstances of separation, the verse in this card attempts to acknowledge the unknown depths that the separation may have had on either party.

This cards suggests moving into the "realm" of reality gently.

There is a sense of commitment, reassuring the receiver that in good times and bad, and with unforeseen complexities - this relationship is very special. Also mentioned in this card are statement's such as, "you can count on me, anytime you need me" and "you are one of the most important people in the world to me".

This card is suitable for people who have been separated and are now reuniting. This card aims to set some foundations upon which a healthy and long term relationship has a chance to flourish. This card can be sent by either the Natural Mother, or Natural Father to the child.

It could also be interpreted in such a way, that the child could send to either parent, acknowledging what we all know, that the child is powerfully important to a person.

This design is available as:

Greeting Card - view card in full with option to purchase
Design 104 - You. $4.95au 

Art Work - view artwork and available formats
Printed Reproductions on Canvas, Vinyl, Photo, Poster mounted and unmounted.

Card of the Month - October 2009

Design 103

  "This has been a blissful time for me"

Designed by Jeanette Broekman and Megan Whittington (Adoptees)
Inspired by Patricia Clarke. (dec.05 - Natural Mother to Jeanette)
Artwork: Jeanette Broekman Photography/Digital Art

Design 103, was created to acknowledge the bliss that reunions can bring, and the marking of a new chapter for all involved.

This card can be sent and received by anyone touched by adoption, as well as people who are experiencing bliss and new beginnings in any area of their life.

There is a sense of "belonging and acceptance through calmness" as well as acknowledgement and respect to the process of integration.

The message in this card is a positive one.  In some scenario's this may just be the first time that "us" comes into it, indicating; "we are on the same page".  It not only acknowledges feelings of "bliss", it also makes a very important statement that acknowledges positive feelings for the future, not just for the sender, and the receiver, this card acknowledges all involved.

This design is available as below on our website: http://www.reunitecards.com.au

Greeting Card - view card in full with option to purchase
Design 103 - This has been a blissful time for me.  Price: $4.95au

Bookmark - view bookmark with option to purchase
Design 103BM -Bliss. Price: $2.00au

Art Work - view artwork and available formats

Printed Reproductions on Canvas, Vinyl, Photo, Poster mounted and unmounted. Price: On application.

Card of the Month - September 2009

Design 100 

 
"It was not permitted that we stay together"

Designed by Jeanette Broekman and Megan Whittington (Adoptees)
Inspired by Patricia Clarke. (dec.05 - Natural Mother to Jeanette)
Artwork: Jeanette Broekman Photography

Design 100, was inspired by the first letter that one of the Directors of Reunite Cards, Jeanette received from her Mother, after being separated for almost 28 years.

As was the case for many women in the 1950's, 60's and 70's - "Forced Adoption" caused many Mothers and their children to be separated, and not permitted to stay together.

The verse inside this card is from Mother to Child.  It is a very strong message of intense feelings towards the child she has lost, and most importantly letting the child know that they were wanted, and have been terribly missed.

Adoptees do want to know that they were wanted, and although the verse in the card is quite long, it addresses the following very key questions that any adoptee has.

1. The love between the Mother and Father.
   
   
2. The Mother's perception of herself as Mother and not "just a surrogate, who cooly gave birth, so someone else could have a child"
   
   
3. The Mother's feelings towards her child.
   
   
4. The Mother's acknowledgement of the "reason this happened", which in almost all cases is the same.  In those days, it was considered to be "the best avenue for the child" to be separated from it's Mother.  These unsupported, unwed Mothers were considered "unfit".  The Mother was treated in such a way that she was told "forget this ever happened", and "one day, you'll get married and have children of your own".
   
   
5. Expression to the child that they were wanted and have been terribly missed.
   
   
6. Expression of love for her child.

This card is suitable for people who want to express how they feel, right from the beginning.  It is also suitable for women who were in a relationship with the Father of the child.   Often, no one know's where they stand with each other, and all parties involved feel as though they do not have the right to say how they really feel.

From my own experience as an adoptee, I believe that keeping it real, may be confronting, but in the long run is a more honest approach, that can build the foundation upon which a healthy and long term relationship can flourish.

This design is available as below on our website: http://www.reunitecards.com.au
Greeting Card - view card in full with option to purchase
Design 103 - This has been a blissful time for me.  Price: $4.95au

Adoption Greeting Cards - Meet the Directors, Jeanette & Megan

Reunite Cards is all about bringing people back together. We have a unique range of specialty greeting cards designed to acknowledge those relationships resulting from adoption, separation and reunions. Our cards are exclusively designed by adoptees, birth parents and adoptive parents to bring you an authentic and genuine range of suitable to use cards for all occasions.

Our life experience, passion, and interest in helping others to find expression for an often un-expressed experience, along with a great personal understanding of the complexities found in these relationships allows us to create a signature range of unique greeting cards. Along side adoption situations, our cards are also for those who are separated from significant others, those who are part of a broken family, or foster families.

We bring to paper, the expressions unsaid, the exhilaration of reunion, the acknowledgement of separation, the delight in all the firsts, the electrifying joy of connecting with significant others. We hope you enjoy browsing our site, www.reunitecards.com.au 

Jeanette & Megan

     

 Preview of Reunite Cards combined with Morning Tea Fundraiser for Cancer research. May 2007.

 

Perry's Old Books - Wollongong, NSW - Our first retail outlet! Thank-you!

At the Berry Markets, December 2007

Canvas Prints

Reunite Cards - Bringing people back together

Are you looking for a card with a difference?

We know first hand what it's like to walk into the local news agency, spend hours looking for the "right" greeting card, only to walk out with a blank card, or even worse - walk out totally empty handed!!

You probably know exactly what that's like, and you probably have just got used to the idea that if you want to send a card to your Birth Mother, or a card to the child that you were not able to raise, or to the adoptive parents that raised you, or even if you are a friend of someone who is in the adoption triad, chances are - you'll hunt down a blank card, that has a nice picture on the front, and attempt to articulate your feelings in a meaningful way.

In the world of adoption, foster care, separation and reunion - it's not always that easy to articulate what it is that you are feeling.

The great news is, a collective group of people including adoptees, adoptive parents, birth parents, immediate family members, and friends have used their life experiences to bring you a range of greeting cards that acknowledge all aspects of the adoption, separation and reunion experience from many perspectives.

More great news is... the cards are showcased on www.reunitecards.com.au, and are also available for purchase. So without further ado....we wish you a successful card hunting experience!!

No more blank cards!!

Reunite Cards TV Commercial, featuring one of the
Directors from Reunite Cards, Megan Whittington.