FINDING PIECES AND PEACE

In 1970, Colorado Child Welfare labeled author Dianne Haaland’s future daughter as “unadoptable” because she was a minority. In the ‘70s, few people knew about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders or the Indian Child Welfare Act. All that was about to change for the family. At their first meeting, Haaland and her husband were mesmerized by a beautiful, beguiling baby girl and wanted to bring her home immediately. The final adoption occurred six months later, and they were a family of four. In Finding Pieces and Peace, Haaland shares the difficulties that arose from adopting a Native American child and managing the unknown diseases, disabling physical conditions, and the reconciliation of all participants. For years, this mother listened to the questions and inquiries: Are you sure you weren’t adopted? You don’t look like anyone in your family. Why didn’t my mother want me? This book gives a voice to foster children, adoptees, and relinquishing mothers who wanted to share their stories. Haaland and her daughter, Tanya, know they can’t change the past, but it’s not too late to help change the future. By sharing their stories, they show an alternative pathway, often trying and failing, but learning to survive through trial and error.