HOME is... by Adopted young People Introduction ‘The voice of adopted young people has always been at the heart of Adoption Week Scotland, and this year is no different: our theme is ‘Sharing Stories’, and some very important ones are contained within this book. These pieces were created by a group of talented adopted young people who engaged in writing workshops to share themes, thoughts and feelings about their concept of ‘Home’. During the workshops themes emerged – of home being ‘safe’, ‘fun’, ‘quiet’ and ‘loving’. Some of the young people talked about food being plentiful, of homes that could fly and keep those inside “safe from lions”. Some commented on their past being present in their photographs, keepsakes and memories. Adopted children may have memories of other homes, and families, some that did not feel as safe and loving as their forever one that they now live within. These memories will live with them forever. The work that went into creating the short stories and poems shared here lead to conversations and sharing of other personal experiences and stories, acknowledgement of adversities and challenges faced. The need for support, and acceptance, of those who are involved in adoption is clear. We are incredibly grateful to all who took part in the making of this book, and proud of their hard work. Home is so important to everyone – and everyone deserves the help to have what they need to feel ‘safe’ and ‘loved’ in theirs. We hope you enjoy!’ Fiona Aitken – Director – AdoptionUK Scotland HOME is... Home is friends and family supporting me and my choices Home is hearing everyone’s voices Home is where I know I’m safe even after scary nightmares Home is after your parents go nuts at you but they still know they care Home is the dog barking at it’s own reflection Home is my family connections Home is the objects stored in my memory box Home is where a friend comes to know Home is the love I feel looking at photos Home is my parents listening to my problems coz I have dozens Home is familiar smells: spaghetti cooking Home is dancing like no one’s looking Home is hugging the bear that used to be my grans Home is where I sit and dream of future plans Home is where it is alright to be wrong Home is more than a house, it’s where I belong. by Amy, Anna, Bryan, Elizabeth, Elliot, Farrah, Kara, Megan, Olivia, Owen, Rachel, Rebecca and Ruby Anna age 11 Adoption is amazing Daring and interesting There are lots of opportunities to be yourself You are talented You are amazing You bring peace You get a new beginning A time to shine Mum and Dad are all ways open hearted Adoption is a journey not a destination! Every teacher and politician needs this in education. Bryan age 16 Home is... The smell of food and candles and spaghetti Home is fun Home is watching dvds and relaxing Rebecca age 8 This is a rocket ship house. It is a house that is safe, fun, and can fly. age 10 Farrah This is my dog house. The person who lives inside it is called Freya who is a dog. She is a sausage dog. She lives in Moredun. She likes going on long walks and wishes to win a dog show that she entered. Her home is red with a door and the door has her name on it. Ten things she has in her house are a dog bed, a family photo, dog bowls, a bone, water, a chew toy, a lead, collar, a dog jacket and a blanket. Home is loving Elizabeth age 9 My home There are lots of people in my home. The man holding the camera has come to take their picture, they have guests come to visit. They are playing with Lego all over the floor. We have food to share. Words I’d use to describe my home: Warm, safe, a good place to be, and a very tidy place. Elliot age 6 I’ve made a car because everyone needs a car in their home. I wanted to make a car to share with my sister in the home she has built. Olivia age 10 Scott the Rabbit This is Scott’s home. Scott is a rabbit who lives in a cave in Iceland. Scott likes eating grass – anything about grass in fact! He wishes to go to America to see Jackson and eat buffalo grass. His home is a cave and ten things in his home are a toilet, table, table decoration, street light, jet pack, sledger, toilet flush, wall costume of armour, police costume and ladder. ides Home prov Kara My sister Jody has been with me since I was 7 weeks. My photos remind me of people or things I love. My memory box has some of age 1 my youngest memories in. 2 My Granny’s old pink bear reminds me of our time together before she died. My trampoline has memories of me before in my old house. Home is having family and friends round for New Year. Home is candles, dog shampoo and food. Home is my sister shouting at me. Home is photo frames with memories from the past for future me. Logan age 14 Kevin age 14 My Story Home is no longer just my home but my friends with it that I’ve shared today. Accustomed smells make me feel safe. Happy emotions make me feel happy. Stored memories that I have passed on. Past is said, but future is water, waiting to be formed. Friends and family supporting me and my choices. My choices of shoes make me happy. Nightmares that are scary but I know I am safe. age 8 Rachel This is Gary’s house. Home Gary is a dog who lives in a house. They like pizza, yellow and gymnastics. is fun They wish to be a pineapple. They think of pizza when they wake up in the morning. Things in the home are a dog bed, a pool, a school, pizza, a toilet and a TV. Ruby age 13 Home is... My story Starting TASC, Trinity after school club and seeing School of Rock. My dog Dan. The smell of passionfruit showergel. The smell of bacon. My dog barks at his reflection and photos being colourful. Having a memory book of old foster kids we used to look after. Also having a book called Babar that I read a lot when I was little. Home is safe and quiet and also loving. age 5 Owen This is Bob the Badgers house. Bob’s house is my house. It’s a silly house. It can fly to space and it can scare away the lions. It has alarm panels and a toilet and a garden for friends. i s s af e Hom e Cieron age 13 My Life My life is like a mountain range, With everyday it becomes more strange. With ups and downs along the way, I have friends and family to make sure I’m okay. My life is like a roller coaster, Like bread going up and down in a toaster. When I get knocked down, I bounce back on my feet, By being brave I’m rewarded with a treat, And Lucky me, ‘cause it’s a sweet. When I am struggling in my life, I like to stab the struggles with a knife. And battle on through, ‘cause that’s what I like to do. When in my life I am struggling with a test, I’ll try really hard ‘cause that’s what I do best. When I am in a game and I feel like I want to cry, I try my hardest and give it another try. In my life I love to help, Especially when people cry with a yelp. I rush over to see what’s wrong. And show others that inside I’m really strong. When in my life I feel very weak, I battle on through and try to speak. I say that I will not give in, And put the weakness in the bin. When in my life I feel proud, I rejoice and sing aloud. ‘Cause my friends I know them well, And they get back on their feet when they fall as well. When in my life I’ve done something bad, I end up feeling very sad. So next time I’ll try learn from the mistake I’ve made, And bury them deep with a spade. o m e is H we e r e wh g belon www.adoptionuk.org/scotland www.facebook.com/AdoptionUKScotland Booklet design by Lucy Designs www.lucydesigns.co.uk
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