Denise’s journey started with her own adoption and her first glimpse into trauma. She grew up in the Mennonite community in Pennsylvania . Denise and Yvonne had some common memories to share .

Secrets were prevalent in the family. Denise talked about her experience as a Mennonite and the expectations and acceptance from her parents.

She spoke about looking for love and her identity.

Becoming a mom at an early age was traumatic and caused her to leap into independence. Denise’s journey was full of surprise connections. She talked about her heart’s desire.

Patience experienced as many, a childhood of challenges. Her family was separated in dramatic fashion. At the age of 16, patience learned of a maternity home through her mother’s church affiliation. Her journey to motherhood involved traveling to the home for birth mothers with strangers. Her experience , as she said was in many ways better than her home. Patience felt lost, still in love, and knew the trauma of her childhood that she strived to overcome.

Monica was adopted at the age of 4 months. Her parents who adopted her from a foster home in Alaska saw her resilience grow to become a “strong young lady“ who exhibited her “power“. Monica loved the attention from her mother, she felt the need to be loved. Monica became resilient to overcome challenges and became the “ tomboy” in the family.

Monica experienced the infamous Alaska earthquake that traumatized many. Monica’s way of coping was to “stuff down deep inside” the dysfunction she experienced.

Facing signing relinquishment papers after giving birth in the hospital was overwhelming.

Monica is in reunion and states that she is experiencing her “destiny“ and is encouraging others to give themselves “Grace“ for Healing.

Monica has released her memoir after eight years of work, entitled “ Practically Still A Virgin", which is available on Amazon and other book outlets.