If you’re a teen with adoption in your story, there are probably a lot of things your friends and family just don’t understand—no matter how much they love you. Do you ever wish you had someone to talk to about the good, the bad, and the completely confusing parts of being adopted—someone who would totally get it?
You aren’t alone. In this book, over thirty adopted teens and young adults talk about their feelings, thoughts, experiences, and unanswered questions. We’ve Been There not only shares what they learned but also what they wish someone had told them.
You’ll see your story in their stories. Do you struggle to believe you are worthy? Are you at a loss for dealing with grief and forgiveness, or learning to trust again? Find hope in this honest book.
All author profits donated.
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“If you know others are dealing with it, it feels more normal. You think, Wow! I can work through it too. Adoptive parents will like this book, too, to see how they can better understand the adoptee experience.”
“This book is easy to read and filled with affirming aha moments. When our stories connect, we find a little bit more community and a little bit more hope that we will be okay.”
“I feel like some adopted teens say they cannot overcome, but yeah you can! The stories in this book are both inspiring and encouraging and will tell you you can do it.”
“I know that other kids get adopted, but used to think that I was alone in what I was feeling and that everyone else had an easier life. I just couldn’t imagine people hurting like I did.”
“The writing grabbed me. Because my kids don’t open up and share, this helped me better understand my kids. The stories gave me insight into what some adopted teens are experiencing and thinking about and seldom are willing to share.”
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Hello! I’m Susan. Welcome, and thanks for visiting!
I’ve put together a collection of stories for teens told to me by adoptees from across the country. Let me just say loudly that these people are AMAZING and INSIGHTFUL. They taught me so much, which in turn I share with you. I love it when people use their stories to lift others up. In We’ve Been There, teens 16 and older will find a range of stories that truly reflects how adoptees feel and process things in their teen years. It is a long-overdue connection point, a gift from one adoptee to another to remind them they are not alone.
Parents, this resource is just as valuable for you. The more you understand-the more you dive into what adoptees are thinking and feeling- the better able you are to support, encourage, and come alongside your child during this sensitive time of life.
I am a Michigander: Midwest kind and smiley, except in February when I get a little ornery from the gray sky and knee-deep snow. I am married to Mike, and we have three children who were adopted from Russia. We like watching movies together, hanging by the campfire, mountain biking, and traveling internationally. Yes! We loved visiting Prague in 2021. I have an MA in communications and co-authored Before You Were Mine: Discovering Your Adopted Child’s Lifestory, published by Zondervan. I’ve always sought ways to help my kids process this piece of their story.
I love receiving comments. Let me know how this book has encouraged you.
