Adoption Songs (ePub)

Most of us know someone who either is adopted or has adopted children, but how often do we hear their full story? Adoption Songs is a compilation of twenty narratives highlighting the many sides of adoption. Through her research, Ms. Evans Ermi discovered common challenges that many adoptees face, ranging from the pre- and neo-natal bonding/abandonment polarity surrounding an adoption to struggles with attachment and belonging. Up until recently, these issues were not typically known, diagnosed, or discussed. Decades of societal conventions that kept adoption stigmatized are giving way to an era of open adoptions, unsealed records, and DNA discovery. The narratives are heartwarming and heartbreaking, providing insights into the complexity of adoption and the emotions that go along with it. Adoption Songs aims to inspire open dialogue so that the joy adoptive parents feel when their child enters their life can be balanced with the child's experience and emotions (in childhood and beyond). Perfect for book clubs and adoption agencies, those considering adoption and adoptees, Adoption Songs is a place to land and feel at home.

Lori Evans Ermi (she/her) is an adoptee, adopter, daughter, stepdaughter, stepsister, half-sister, stepmother, single mom, entrepreneur, and former corporate executive turned Professional Certified Coach. She is proud of her oldest daughter Lexie, her husband and three precious grandsons, and her daughter Kate for always challenging her to be better and allowing her to experience the grace and joy of parenting. Professionally, Lori has over 30 years' experience in corporate leadership and organizational development. She is a behavioralist and is known for her expertise in team systems dynamics, behavioral assessments, motivations, values, and leadership development. She has personally coached or developed thousands of leaders globally, and she is passionate about helping her clients discover their inner truths. She works one-on-one with leaders and has expertise in team development. What Lori discovered in the research of Adoption Songs is a unique condition that many adoptees face in their worlds, and that is finding their sense of belonging and identity. The trauma associated with adoption has largely been ignored or misunderstood. There have been few resources out there. Recently, Gen Zs and younger millennials are changing the landscape of adoption and raising tough questions about the challenges that have been silenced. This offering is intended to be a resource and conversation starter for those curious about this misunderstood population, and to inspire adoptees to search for their identity. Lori is hopeful that Adoption Songs can create insight into this phenomenon so that everyone who can relate can seek the support to move beyond its limitations and emerge more grounded, connected, renewed, and purposeful.