There is an opportunity for you to share your adoption story with other adoptive families and have your story read around the world.

“A Cup of Comfort,” a series of books similar to “Chicken Soup for the Soul” is publishing two new books that all of our stories are a perfect fit for. The first book is “A Cup of Comfort for Adoptive Parents” and the other is “A Cup of Comfort for Parents of Children with Special Needs.” I’m sure we can all write stories that will fit the format of what they are looking for.

Here is the submission request for the Adoptive Families book:

The primary purpose of this book is to celebrate adoptive families and to recognize the extraordinary and challenging experiences unique to "chosen children" and their adoptive families. We are most interested in stories written by adult adopted children and their adoptive parents and siblings, but the book will likely include some stories written by members of the extended adoptive family (i.e. grandparent) and birth family members. Virtually any topic relevant to adopted children and their adoptive parents is acceptable-as long as it is authentic, positive, insightful, and uplifting or inspiring. We do not want heartbreaking stories about adoptive or birth families that regret the adoption. All of the stories in this collection must reveal a positive aspect of adoption and must bring comfort, joy, or inspiration to those who have been adopted and/or to the families who adopted them-no matter how difficult the experience and emotions portrayed in the story might be.

The submission deadline for the adoptive families book is June 15, 2008 and for the Special Needs book is August 15, 2008.

They are not looking for stories of the rich and famous, but rather from ordinary people. Tell the story of the emotions surrounding the placement of your child, the reaction of your family, Do you have a story that you want to share of how adoption has touched your life or how your children have touched you?

Yes, there are dark days in special needs adoption, and I read them day after day in all the news articles I get, the horrific stories of abuse, the children who get bounced through the system and the list goes on. Why not share a positive story? I sent a submission to “Chicken Soup for the Soul” some time ago. I talked about each of my (then) three kids and the emotions I felt at the time they joined our home; The joy I experienced when the baby girl I thought I’d never have was placed in my arms. There are many of us who have good stories to share, and we just might touch someone else with our story. There may be a parent going through a hard time that needs to know that there are bright spots in this journey. Give that parent, or possibly potential parent, a nugget of hope to cling to on dark days.

I hope to read some of your bright stories. There are days I could certainly use them.

You may find requests for other stories and the submission guidelines on the Cup of Comfort website.

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