Poems: Busan Tree picture - "The Family Tree" (author unknown)

"The Family Tree"

We added to our family tree, a stronger one to make.  

A child from another tree,

Has become our new namesake. 

Just as a limb is grafted from one tree to another, 

It alters and improves the plant, making it unique like no other. 

Our family has been improved,

Adoption made this so.

For love much more than bloodlines, 

Is what makes us thrive and grow. 

We chose to share our life and love,

And all the joys to come.

Our family has blossomed

With the arrival of our cherished one.                                                                            

            Busan Steps picture - "The Gift of You" (author unknown)

"The Gift of You"

I did not give you the gift of life,

But in my heart I know, 

The love I feel is as deep and real

As if it had been so. 

For us to have each other,

Is like a dream come true. 

No, I did not give you the gift of life,

Life gave us the gift of you.

            Palace picture - "Legacy of an Adopted Child" (author unknown)

 "Legacy of an Adopted Child"

Once there were two women who never knew each other.  

One you do not remember, the other you call mother. 

Two different lives, shaped to make your one.  

One became your guiding star, the other became your sun. 

The first gave you life, and the second taught you to live it. 

The first gave you a need for love and the second ws there to give it.

One gave you a nationality, the other gave you a name. 

One gave you a seed of talent, the other gave you an aim. 

One gave you emotions, the other calmed your fears.

One saw your first sweet smile, the other dried your tears. 

One gave you up, that's all that she could do. 

The other prayed for a child and God led her straight to you.

And now you ask me, through your fears, 

The age old questions unanswered throughout the years. 

Heredity or environment, which are you the product of...

Neither, my darling, neither...just two different kinds of love.

Photos were taken by Ally and Joe Shinabery in South Korea, 2005.