My guest Joan Benson met her husband David when they were 15 and 16 years old. They fell in love and dreamed of a big family. When infertility became their reality they turned to adoption. Their first 2 (separate) adoptions were infants, their son Shannon and daughter Kristie. They later adopted two older sons in 2 separate adoptions, first was Larry and then Wiley.
Joan’s momma heart dreamed of leaving a legacy of love, compassion and trust. She imagined her and David growing old together, enjoying their grandchildren, watching their children work hard, be successful and live healthy, well adjusted lives.
Those dreams would be severely challenged when Joan realizes that she did not have the skillset that the two oldest sons would require. Not even her devoted love could reach the painful places of trauma that both Larry and Wiley had experienced prior to being folded into Joan and David’s family.
Just when things couldn’t be more crucial … the boys struggling through their high school years, testosterone infused determination and emotional issues heaped on top … the love of Joans life, David decides to leave the family for a younger woman. So much for the Christian family values that Joan had longed to give her children.
This conversation is but a shadow of all that Joan has endured and despite the complications and heartache Joan fully supports adopting older children. So much has changed for the better when it comes to the emotional and mental needs of traumatized children but her advice to educate oneself is still key to giving the adoption the best shot at success.
As you listen in, let your heart be reminded that we were once orphans or maybe we live with orphan heart belief patterns. But as God’s children, He is extravagantly, generously generous to us and we can never go so far that His love can’t cover us.
Live Loved and Thrive!
Bio: Joan lives in Chesapeake, VA, with her husband and their two Bichon Frisé dogs. She is the mother of four married adult children, and a very proud grandmother of eight amazing grandchildren. Joan is a former Christian and public school educator, having taught grades from primary through middle school. She served as a reading specialist, teacher trainer, and has been writing for educational publishing companies for over twenty-five years.
Connect with Joan:
Email: https://www.joancbenson.com/
Request Joan to speak at your next event, please contact her at bensonjj@verizon.net or by phone 757-567-4637.
