Adoption Story Life History Books are an opportunity for families with one or more adopted children to easily put their stories down in gorgeous, archival books. An Adoption Story may be done with anywhere from four to 16 hours of interview, so it can be done with any of our packages.
Your book includes whatever information you choose - it can range from a recap of the adoption process to a full Life Book for the child. You choose your book's title, so the words "Adoption Story" will only appear on your book's cover if you choose it as your title. Please take a look at some sample covers and titles to the right. Your cover will be customized with your photos/colors/fonts/title.
You talk, we do the rest. Check out our Process page for more information on what each book includes, but the short version is that we transcribe your words, reorganize them into an order that makes sense, and print only the words that you say, though in a spiffed-up form.
Your personal historian will ask some of the following questions, but there is NO pressure to answer this entire list:
- You may wish to focus on the adoption process – the technicalities, the hurdles, the joy at the end.
Sample Questions:
Why did you choose domestic or international adoption? Why did you choose to adopt from this country?
What was the process like? How long did it take? What had to be done? What were your thoughts and feelings during the whole process? Was it ever frustrating?
What was the wait like? What kinds of questions did you ask yourself?
How did you spread the news that you were adopting? How did you spread the news after the adoption occurred?
What kinds of things did you do to prepare for the adoption?
If you saw a picture of your child before actually meeting, do you remember when you first saw that picture? What was that like, knowing your child and not being able to get to him/her?
Were there obstacles to getting to your child?
Did you travel and if so, what was that like?
- You may want to reminisce about great memories you have as a family.
Sample Questions:
What is your child’s name? When and where was he/she born? How did you pick the name?
What are some early experiences with your child that you remember fondly?
Talk about the first time you met or the first time you held your child.
If your child was adopted older, what was the personality like? What was the language situation?
What was your child’s personality like when you first became a family?
What are some memorable experiences you've had as a family?
What are your favorite characteristics in your child?
If you have other children, what are some memories you have of them that you’d like to share?
If you have other children, were they a part of making the decision to adopt? How did they react to having a new sibling?
Do you have any nice memories with your child and your extended family?
Are there any adoption organizations you are or were involved with that you’d like to discuss?
How would you describe your child’s personality? How did each change as he/she got older?
Do you have any nicknames for your child? How did they come about?
Do you have any sayings or songs that you say/sing often?
What are your hopes for your child’s future?
- You may want to talk about your ethics, your personal experiences and your priorities as a parent.
Sample Questions:
Was raising children as you expected it to be? What surprised you most about being a parent?
Are there any vacations you’ve gone on that you remember fondly?
If you are raising your child with a spouse/partner, how would you describe him/her as a parent? How do your parenting styles differ?
How are holidays traditionally celebrated in your family? What holidays are the most important? Are there special family traditions, customs, songs, foods?
What family heirlooms or keepsakes and mementos do you possess? Why are they valuable to you? What is their history? How were they handed down? Are there any memories or stories connected with them?
What special food-based traditions does your family have? Do you like to cook or are you passionate about food? If you have any favorite recipes, give them to your personal historian to be included in your book.
What were some of the benchmark events of your adult life?
Are you active in any religious organizations or community groups?
If you are in a romantic relationship, what was the early relationship like? If you’re married, was there a proposal? What did you find surprising about marriage? What did you enjoy, what did you find difficult? Any advice?
Do you have political opinions you’d like to share – are there any leaders or figureheads you have admired and why?
How have historical events affected your family and community? For example, what were some of your experiences during World War II, Vietnam, the Civil Rights Movement, JFK being shot, September 11?
If you had a professional career, did your job generally play a large part in your life?
Did you stay in touch with friends from when you were younger, or generally make new friends as time passed? Would you like to talk about any friends or family members you’ve been especially close to?
What pets have you had, and what role have pets played in your life? Do you have any pet-related memories?
Do you think who you are, at your core, has changed much in the last 10 years? Have your values changed much? Your interests? What are your priorities now?
What is your favorite place in the entire world? It could be your bedroom, the woods, or some nook in a foreign land, whatever comes to mind.
Have you had any role models or mentors? What involvement have they had in your life?
As you’ve gotten older, what are some of the things you wish you knew, appreciated or understood when you were younger?
You’ve seen the world change so much. What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in the world? Do you think the world is better today, or are you reminiscent of the past?
If you could live one day over again, without changing anything, what would it be?
Okay, the big question: if you had to pass on some advice to the next generation, what would you say are the two most important lessons you’ve learned in life?
- Maybe you'd like to discuss a bit of everything. That’s completely your choice!
To get started with Life History Books, or if you have any questions, feel free to contact Kari Fillmore, our personal historian specializing in Adoption Story Life History Books, via Kari@LifeHistoryBooks.com or on 303.552.6129. Alternately, contact Life History Books’ founder, Corina Kellam, via Corina@LifeHistoryBooks.com or on 424.253.5429 or through our Contact page. |
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