[SchmennaLeigh]

I don't like being lumped, personally. But I can sympathize with even those who had their children taken away (rightfully or without evidence or cause) because they, too, have experienced a loss. No, maybe they weren't good parents but that doesn't mean that their hearts don't have a child shaped hole for all eternity. I can only imagine that, when and if their life cleans up (or even if it doesn't), the guilt associated with having a child removed AND the loss associated with adoption can be overwhelming.

But yes, I get mad when I am told that I am basically the same as a child abuser/molester, a neglectful parent or an abandoner. None of those even remotely touch who I am as a parent. You either, Heather. I do understand that families involved with such characters do need a safe place to vent. If someone had abused my child, I'd be pretty peeved as well. But, at the same time, people need to realize that lumping solves nothing. My least favorite thing is when what I say is written off simply because I am a firstmother. I mean, I couldn't possibly understand anything being discussed because I'm a sub-par human being, right? With no morals, values or exceptional parenting skill? It hurts.

I can only hope that our presence will continuously remind and show people that firstparents are NOT the vilest forms of matter on the face of the Earth.