::Guest Post: Brandi Rarus on Finding Zoe::

Here's our first guest post about a Deaf woman, Brandi Rarus whom is also an adoptive mother and wrote a memoir on her adoption journey when she adopted her daughter, Zoe.  Her book, "Finding Zoe" is scheduled to release this fall. Congratulations, Brandi! We will buy the book once it releases! :)

Brooke speaking: 

A quick background about how I met Zoe (and her mother, Brandi)-- when I started as a first year second grade teacher, Zoe was student of mine. Zoe is a funny individual with spunk and a heavy dose of cuteness! I found out that Zoe was adopted when she mentioned in a class discussion that she has a mother (adoptive mom, Brandi) and "Aunt Jess" (biological mother)- she was very open about her adoption story. For clarification purposes, Zoe's adoption is open.  Brandi and Zoe both have a relationship with both of Zoe's birth parents.  This is something that Brandi choose to do when she adopted Zoe. Open adoption is much more possible in domestic adoptions and very rare for international.  Brandi always says it is a "personal choice," and she believed this was the right one for Zoe and Zoe's birth parents.  I found the whole idea truly fascinating and touching to the point where I kept the possibility of adopting in the back of my head. I don't think Zoe realizes that she made a significant influence on my perspective on adoption. :)

Fast forward several months later, Brandi and I met up at a coffee shop to discuss the adoption route and what her and Tim's journey was like. Brandi is an exceptionally easy person to chat with and she was open and honest about the whole adoption experience. Thus, it inspired me to seriously consider the next step: to adopt. The following year, there was another student in my class who was adopted as well. Signs of adoption everywhere! :)

We just wanted to share this post with our readers so you can all learn more about open adoptions via her blog at www.brandirarus.com.  

We are truly blessed with Brandi and Tim Rarus' ongoing support.  It is encouraging to know that there are people who have been where we are and can relate to our experiences.  Brandi and Tim, thank you for your continued wisdom and guidance while we navigate the ups and downs of adopting.

oxox,
Brooke & Brian