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