Everybody
knows what adoption is, but adoption has changed dramatically over
recent decades. “Open adoptions” used to be unheard of,
but have quickly become the norm over recent years. Open adoptions
create an opportunity for biological parents to remain connected with
the child even after the adoption takes place. Emotionally, this is
still largely uncharted territory for everybody involved and
relationships can be difficult to navigate. Although these connections
can be stressful and challenging, they are also beautiful and inspiring.

Whether you are simply someone interested in an amazing and touching
story, or whether you are hoping to be educated on what it might be
like to walk a mile in the shoes of an adoptive parent, Russell Elkins
holds nothing back as he takes you along for the ride. Told from the
point of view of an adoptive father, the journey Russell and his wife
took is such a roller coaster ride you would think this true story was
fiction.

Book 1: Open Adoption, Open
Heart

Russell and Jammie have struggled with infertility
issues for years before deciding that adoption is right way to build
their family. They quickly find out that adoption is not as simple as
filling out some paperwork and waiting for the right child to join them
at home. Sometimes adoptions fall through. People change their mind.
Hearts are often broken during the process. The actual adoption does not
take place at the end of the book because it is by no means the end of
the story—it’s the midpoint of the journey as adoption
relationships have only just begun.

Book 2: Open
Adoption, Open Arms

Russell and Jammie thought their second
adoption would be a bit easier since they had already gone through the
process once before and knew better what to expect. They were wrong. A
new situation and new relationships came with unique trials. This new
situation stirred up emotions from Russell’s past—from
before he even met his wife, Jammie—making it possible for him to
relate to the biological parents on a level he had never experienced
before.

Book 3: Open Adoption, Open
MindRussell and Jammie’s journey did not end with the
details of the last page of book two. Not by a long shot. Some
relationships blossom while others find hard times. Russell and Jammie
even begin to develop a relationship with a birthfather who previously
wanted nothing to do with them—a relationship that proves to be
unpredictable and difficult. Most importantly, the journey takes new
twists and turns as the children become old enough to think for
themselves (and they do not process their story the same way as each
other).