Last year, I was contacted to be interviewed for a documentary about birthmothers. It’s always hard to completely go back there and even with the emotional support provide, it’s not pleasant. Yet, sometimes you have to take the chance and do the hard stuff. I figure, no one will hear us if we sit in the shadows. Needless, to say, I went.

Documenting the Adoption Story

It was, as always, surreal to talk about the whole adoption story from beginning to end with a complete stranger. Sometimes, I feel like I am telling a tale that belongs to another. Often I wish the story did belong to another and was not mine. But then, you have to feel the emotions when you tell the adoption story for it to be real. I hate that.

Anyway, we did it and life went on..then, periodically, I would wonder, “hmmm.. that adoption documentary?”

Adoption Documentary Rough Cut

A few weeks ago, I got an email from Gregg with a link to view the final rough cut. I am not sure what I imagine the finish project would be like, but I was surprised to find myself sitting in front of the computer for almost two hours. I didn’t think it would feel like a film, but there it was, feeling very legitimate.
And I am just yapping away and flailing my hands about all through the damn thing telling the horror story of my life as if it was a shopping excursion to Loehmann’s!!

Ok, it’s not that bad, but I think I am a bit too flippant at times.

But.. all the self loathing aside, I think it does a good job of taking the pretty ribbons and bowls off adoption in a bunch of ways without being real harsh all the time. I don’t know. I see it through adoption eyes and I have to critic myself, so it’s weird.

But I think it’s good. Like a real documentary good. Like a real documentary about adoption that the public might be able to understand good. Hard for me to tell..so you tell me.

Related by Birth is available on the RelatedbyBirth.com site as an unrestricted, instant download via PayPal for $11.99.