Recently, Tyson’s birth mom, Nicole, sent me a Facebook message with a copy of her Facebook status from the day.
(We aren’t “friends” on Facebook per her request, but we message each other all the time …in additional to texts, etc.)
Just looked through a box my mom brought to me recently of all the stuff Tyson’s parents sent me! [One - out of like 100 - I haven't seen in a while.] I couldn’t have choosen a better family for Tyson to join! Although it was the hardest decision I will probably ever make, I know it was the best for us both. Thankful everyday for all they do for Tyson and all they do for me to be just as much in his life! Brought a smile to my face and I thought I’d share.
I love you, T.I.R. & the family I’ve gained from this!
And then I wept.
I think sometimes we as adoptive parents forget how important the updates, packages, pictures, drawings, etc. are to these members of our families. I think it is easy to get into the routine of life and forget to send a little something.
I rarely hear back from our kids’ birth parents after I send them a package (which is just about every month). But, I don’t send them updates and pictures so that I can hear back from them about it. I send them for them and to do what I can to keep the relationship alive for my kids and their every important roots. Plus, I love them and I love to make them packages. 
Out of curiosity, I asked Nicole what some of her favorite things were. She told me that the crafts that Tyson does (usually holiday related) are her favorite. I can’t blame her. They are adorable!
I wanted to post this today so that you would have some time to put together a Valentine package for your child’s birth family. Consider this your official challenge/reminder.
It doesn’t have to be perfect.
It doesn’t have to be expensive.
It doesn’t have to be crafty.
It just has to BE THERE.
Need some ideas of easy art projects/ideas to do with your child to send to their birth family this Valentine’s Day? Lucky for you, I have been a pinning machine on this very topic on Pinterest. Check out my Valentine’s Day Board for great ideas.
And get those packages in the mail! Pay for the shipping to get it there by Valentine’s Day if necessary. You won’t regret it!
Just mailed mine out today!! Thanks for the inspiration to keep doing what we are doing!
Oh good, cause the photo and update packages I send are never perfect, expensive or crafty. LOL
This post made me cry. Nicole is so lucky to have placed with such a wonderful family who thinks of her enough to send packages as often as you do. I placed my daughter 6 1/2 years ago in a semi-open adoption and asking for updates from her parents has been as though I was asking for a kidney donation. Unfortunately, I know I’m not the only birthmom to go through this, and it’s difficult for all of us.
I wish I had the relationship you have with one another, and can only pray that one day, it will get better. Thank you for being an example for other adoptive parents.
Thanks for this – I send packages pretty regularly but rarely hear anything back and it’s been getting discouraging. But you’re absolutely right, I don’t send them so I can hear back from them. I just got back from the post office mailing a little Valentine’s day package and I’m just happy to send it, regardless of if I hear back from her. I’ll try to keep this attitude in the future too
Such a great reminder of the little things that are so important. I forget how much “Stuff” i have sent to our birthmoms. I know they appreciate it
Thanks for all the ideas! I love the yellow quote board, but I can’t read exactly what it says. Care to share the quote? and where you got it? I just got our package in the mail to our expectant mom, who is planning on placing with us in March. I’m sending holiday socks, thanks to you!
I love your reminders at the end. This is what I tell myself, too. Just send SOMETHING.