Adoption Day

The moment Diane Burke, an author and mother of two grown sons, received an unexpected certified letter in the mail, she had no idea her life would be shaken to its core. Memories of a past she had buried more than forty years ago suddenly resurfaced and she wasn't prepared to deal with them. Steve Orlandi, happily married, father of two and step-father of three, was living the typical middle class American life. But since the age of eight, when he discovered he was adopted, he had led that life dealing with inner questions about his self-identity and genetic history.

It is Max’s friend José’s adoption day party. There is cake and ice cream, games, and presents. What special present did Max bring?

It is Max's friend José's adoption day party. There is cake and ice cream, games, and presents. What special present did Max bring?

In the story, Ana is an eight-year-old girl who sometimes struggles with telling the truth and her self-esteem. One day during a difficult family moment, Ana’s adoptive mother shares with her the attributes and life cycle of a dandelion, explaining that though the dandelion looks like a flower, some consider it a weed, not understanding its value—the way that Ana sometimes feels.