Gladney Blog

Who would have thought I would be standing in the kitchen with my family in mid-April of my senior year when the governor made the announcement we were done? Deep down, I had a feeling this was coming, but it does not make it any easier. I left my high school on March 12, 2020, for spring break, unaware I would never walk back into the school as a student again. It leaves me... well, it leaves me heartbroken.

In August 2016, I began high school as a wide-eyed, nervous, awkward, metal-mouthed, and excited freshman. I had no idea how the next four years would shape me into the person I am today... a strong, confident, God-fearing, young woman, ready to take on the world.

I am the person I am today because of the people and experiences I have had over these past four years. I have had experiences that not many other high schoolers can say they have had, and I have met people who have pushed me to be the very best I can be.... people who encourage me to chase my dreams and improve every day.

From leading a student organization I started during freshman year to marching in the Rose Bowl Parade last year, I leave knowing I gave these past four years all I had to offer. I am walking away from high school knowing what it means to work hard and to persevere through hardships. I am walking away knowing the power of the connections you make with others and how those connections can lead you to do really great things.

I am crushed. I really am. I had no idea I would not see my third graders again and would not have any more study sessions at "my special table" at the top of the main stairs, where I spent many 4th periods, class times, and even after school hours. I did not know I had my last college math class in room 2465, where we stood outside and talked until the bell rang, forcing us to go in and get to work. I am going to miss the high fives from coaches in the hallway, my classmates, my teachers, and even parking in Timbuktu and walking in after interning at the elementary school. It hurts a lot knowing I am not going to have these experiences anymore, but I am looking forward to the day when I can go back in and reminisce on all of the memories high school gave me and talk to teachers again who made a huge difference in my life.

Over these past four years, I have learned to follow my heart in anything and everything I do. I have learned to try new things and put myself out there, even when I was afraid to do so. Most of all, I have figured out what I want to do in life. I can see beyond all of this and am excited for where I am headed. Is this year ending the way I wanted it to? Not at all, but there is no better feeling than closing one chapter, knowing I did all I could do.

Here's to the future, here's to more memories, and here's to adulthood. School may be done, but like they always said, "Once a jag, always a jag."

God Bless & Go Jags!

Zhanna, Gladney Adult Adoptee

There is no shortage of fun when Lien is around! Three year old Lien shares joy with all he comes into contact with!  When he is happy, he moves his hips.  When you touch his face, he laughs happily.  His laugh can be heard on video in a game of chase and is simply contagious!  Lien is lively, gentle and always smiles when he sees people. 

Late last year, WFAA shared a wonderful update in their Wednesday's Child segment. Eric, a 17-year-old boy in foster care, was featured in October 2019. That appearance inspired a Gladney Family to take action. By November, just six days before his 18th birthday, Eric officially became a member of their family. 

Each week Gladney's Team of adoption professionals receives and answers many questions. This week our pros answer the question from an adoptee about visiting Gladney's Campus.

Traditions make the holidays a special time for children and their families, and we have traditions at Gladney, too!

Fall is here, and we are looking forward to the cooler weather and the opportunity to raise awareness during National Adoption Month! Vince Gill will be joining us for an intimate performance, celebrating in true southern style on the new stage of the Glass Cactus at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine.

A Gladney Adoption Story

“One morning, my caseworker was on the phone telling me there was a family who wanted to adopt me. I remember crying and feeling shocked and excited at the same time. I was surprised a family wanted a seventeen-year-old as a daughter. How is that possible?

After meeting my new parents, I opened up a little to them and talked about some of my past, which was sorta shocking because I rarely ever tell anyone about it. Something in my heart told me I could trust them. As part of one of our visits, we went to see the movie Tomb Raider, and that’s how I came up with my new name: Lara. That was the name of the main character in the movie; and she was strong, incredibly brave, and also very adventurous.

reFRAMED Host, Emily Morehead, talked with Mary Kathryn Nader about children grieving a loss while at school. Different circumstances such as the death of a loved one, a divorce in the family, or a move to a new place can cause children to grieve. Mary Kathryn talks about anxiety being one of the main reactions children have after a loss. They have lost more than that person or place because their routines and schedules have changed.

Riley

PARENT QUOTE

Have you ever had a friend ask you questions about how adoption works or what type of programs Gladney offers? In the recent reFRAMED Podcast, two Gladney Team Members answer our listeners' adoption questions.  This is a great episode to share with friends, family, and your social network. Just click one of the share buttons on the top of this post ... it's that easy!