[redhedded]

Sunny, I reread your post several times and cannot imagine why on earth I would ever flame you. I so welcome your experience, your willingness to share what this is like, and what you might do differently if it were your own child based on your own experience. Please continue to enlighten me.

You are sweet. I have been so blessed in my life - it is sheer ridiculous luck. I have this incredible family, these two amazing kids who own my heart, my partner, my parents, my sister. They give me so much, love me, support me, encourage and understand me. Sometimes I am overwhelmed with emotion and the awareness that others have suffered so much in their lives, so much pain and sadness, heartache, injustice. I have talked once about being immobilized while waiting to be matched, late at night. I thought constantly about what other women have experienced, how very hard life has been for them, how they can never get a break or how little support or access that they have had.

I notice that you had a babe for a long time who was reunited with birthfamily. I am so sorry. Please share your experience with us if you feel able. If not, I am sorry that I asked.

About the hair. Okay, my authentic color is auburn, now a rather mucky mostly gray discolored something from years of color. You know, you can get this "youthful" hue in a bottle. I use Clairol Reds from Sallys. I used to have it done, always; since becoming a mom, I often just do it myself, takes 1/2 the time and wayyyy less money.