NAWW Member, Sue Baumgardner recently launched new blog: birthmotherofadopted.blogspot.com

“Sue is a birth mother who surrendered her first born child for adoption 37 years ago. Two years ago, Sue found her daughter. This precipitated Sue’s writing her first manuscript, The Empty Chair. Attempting to pass on the whole story, in black and white, Sue originally wrote the manuscript for her daughter. The roller coaster ride that Sue’s life had taken all those years ago, was back in full strength. Sue found the whole writing process to be a gut wrenching experience. Long repressed memories came flooding back as her fingers flew over the keys. All the long un-cried tears were now shed, day after day, as Sue typed away. Once the manuscript was finished, Sue found herself smiling through the tears. She experienced a monumental unburdening. This unburdening was what gave birth to the idea of publishing a novel, The Empty Chair. Birth mothers are notorious for not talking about it. Sue, however, was ready to talk. Further, she believes that the world is ready to listen. Adopted children, their adoptive parents, family and friends, and most especially other birth mothers could all benefit emotionally from reading The Empty Chair. Those who have never walked this road, will have their eyes (and hearts) opened. Adopted children (and their adoptive parents) will have a better understanding of how their mother could have possibly let them go. Most especially, other birth mothers, will benefit from sharing someone else’s story. Yes, misery does like company. But this is more than misery. It’s an uplifting survivor’s story. Sue is now in the process of trying to find an agent, or publisher, interested in her manuscript.”