Another email from an adoptive parent to Louisiana in Tennessee after the woman has read Louisiana's inspiring story.
Weds., May 11, 2005, 12:41 p.m., E.S.T.~
Dear Louisiana~
I am writing from the Great State of Maine, in Portland, where I live with my husband, Charles, and our 17 children, fifteen, of which, are adopted. I am writing to say that I read your books, "A Family Made Out of Rainbows And Miracles", and its new companion, "The Miracles Continue", which I just received from a friend of mine in Florida. She thought that I would enjoy reading about another family who has shared experiences similar to mine, so she sent me the books, and I must say that I was incredibly moved after reading your inspiring story.
My name is Coral Richelle Ridgeway, and I am 37 years old. I am married to Charles (have been married 20 years now), and we have seventeen beautiful children, fifteen, of which were adopted. Our kids are as follows: Kent Randall (17, adopted from Korea), Bethany June (16, natural daughter), Casey William (15, natural son), Autumme Danielle (14, adopted from Vietnam), Tyler Reese (14, adopted from New York City), Ephriam Paul (13, adopted from Kenya, in Africa), Raunee' Le-Ann (12, adopted from Korea), Johnathan Edward Joseph (11, adopted from Russia), Wren Dishelle (10, adopted from Connecticut), Uriah Heath (9, adopted from Arizona), Rinella Elaine (9, adopted from Ethiopia, in Africa), Aurora Dawne' (8, adopted from Oklahoma), Ianthe' Morgan (8, adopted from Kansas), Willie Nelson (7, adopted from Texas), Ellie Ann (6, adopted from West Virginia), Sarah Nichole (5, adopted from Wyoming), and finally (but never least), Julia Michelle, who is the youngest at two-and-a-half; she was adopted from India. Most of our kids ARE healthy, but Kent and some of the younger kids (namely John, Wren, Rinella, Aurora, Willie, Ellie, and Julia do have special needs. Kent has spina bifida and uses a wheelchair for mobility, and John, Wren, Willie, and Ellie all have learning disabilities and ADHD. They are very active, and they are a challenge; but they are still all delightful children. Rinella has cerebral palsy and like Kent, she is in a wheelchair, but she is still a very happy kid who loves to laugh and make jokes; she is our family clown. Aurora is visually impaired, and she is currently in school, where she is learning how to get around; she will be back within a month or so, and we miss her terribly. As for Julia, she has severe asthma and allergies, and she is often sick and ends up in the hospital quite regularly.
So there you have it. My kids. They are all special in their own way, and we have enjoyed having them in our lives. My husband is an attorney, so we never have to really worry about money woes, thank goodness. As for me, I am a combination stay-at-home mom ("domestic engineer", if you will) and homeschooling instructor, and so I am always with the kids. But it is a life that brings me much satisfaction, and I wouldn't trade none of it for a million dollars!
We have animals as well. We have fourteen cats (all Maine coons; hey, we live in Maine; the Maine Coon cat is our state animal, and we just adore our furry babies!), and they keep me busy as well. When I am not teaching, and my husband is not working, we show our cats on the weekends at cat shows around Maine, and I am happy to report that some of our animals have won their competitions and enjoy being the center of attention. So, as you can see, our lives are packed full of fun and activity, and I just wanted to let you know that even though we ARE busy, I still did take time to read your wonderful books, and I had to write to you. Thank you for being a voice for special needs adoption, and thank you for giving families hope and encouragement. You are a Godsend, and the world needs more people like yourself! God bless you, Louisiana, and thank you for allowing me to share my story with you.
Hope to hear from you soon!
(((HUGS))) and love, a new friend in Maine, Coral Richelle Ridgeway in Portland, Maine (mom to 17 children with special needs, and also 14 fat and sassy furry babies!). :)
I have written a chapter called I Am That, I Am in this inspirational compilation book by best-selling authors and wonderful people from all walks of life xox :-D (Its sister book is called Adventures In Manifesting - Success and Spirituality)
GLIMPSE OF AN ANGEL IS NOW AVAILABLE. A PORTION OF ALL SALES WILL GO TO HOSPICE TO THUS ENABLE THEM TO HELP OTHERS WHO ARE SOON TO PASS TO THE OTHER SIDE. NO LONGER AVAILABLE.
Weds., May 11, 2005, 12:41 p.m., E.S.T.~
