Adopting.org Discussion Forums

Adopt-A programs and promotions can send the wrong messages to our kids, and they're all over the Web, in schools, and in our communities.

Continue reading Adopt-A Programs

I agree with the sentiment that "adopt-a" programs minimize the importance of true adoption and can be very confusing to younger children. Unfortunately, I have yet to find good alternatives to suggest to those organizations who are trying to do good work with this model. Any suggestions?

Poor Pitiful Pearl was my very favorite doll as a child. I had 3 or 4 Barbie's but they didn't compare. This doll "bonded" with me. (My mother's middle name was Pearl-and she hated that name!) Sadly, maybe that is why she gave my doll away after I went off to college. That upset me. To this day I felt hurt because that was my very favorite toy. She went to the barn w/me, under my favorite tree in the woods, in my closet playhouse and had her own stroller. As an adult I couldn't help but laugh that my mother used to tell me she got her for me to teach me to love ugly people. What a thing to say!! (especially since my nose is not alot unlike Pitiful Pearls)
Anyway, my 20y/o daughter Briana and my 22y/o daugher Jessica have such big hearts. They have heard me speak of Pitiful Pearl over the years and didn't forget. For Christmas this year (2007) they located one in California on a Monday and she arrived that Saturday. We celebrated Christmas w/a dear friend on that same day. The entire family knew what was about to happen. I had not a clue. None. They got the camera's and video camera out as I was about to open it. Bree told me I would need a box of tissues. (This scared me because I thought how sad I'd be if I didn't cry-what was this thing?). As I opened it and could see her nose thru the bubble wrap I immediately started crying, just as predicted. So did everyone else in the room I know I cried off and on for the next 30-40 minutes. She evoked sooooo many feelings in me I was overwhelmed.
I don't collect dolls and don't get mushy over inanimate objects but now that Pearl and I are back together I am truly blessed. She was a very happy part of my childhood I will never forget.
I immediately wanted to know more about her and found this site. I initially am a bit amazed that people were so ignorant in those few short years ago to consider orphans pitiful. That part is appauling to me and my heart goes out to those that this may/might have hurt.
I'm one of the very fortunate ones to have had a beautiful doll in my life by the name Poor Pitiful Pearl. She's gorgeous to me.