by GIFT Coach | May 4, 2016 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion
I am fortunate to live where gardenias flourish. Year after year, blossoms erupt in fragrant profusion. Snowy white blooms contrast with brilliant spring green foliage. Today I plucked two flowers and placed each in a tiny bud vase. My kitchen quickly filled with...
by GIFT Coach | Apr 27, 2016 | Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion, Strengthening Family Relationships
We love our kids unconditionally. To us, the absence of a biological link to them does not matter. Our children are the offspring of our hearts and souls though not of our bodies. We would do anything–everything–to keep them safe. When we hear that April...
by GIFT Coach | Apr 20, 2016 | Adoption Attuned Parenting, Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion
Friday marks the celebration of Earth Day which puts me in mind of nature and the cycle of life. Seeds. Roots. Growth. Pruning. Grafting. Without roots, a plant cannot survive. Without leaves, sunlight, water it cannot flourish. In many ways trees serves as an apt...
by GIFT Coach | Mar 30, 2016 | Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion
Did you know that March 29 is National Smoke and Mirrors Day? Smoke and mirrors is a familiar expression to describe the distraction techniques used by magicians as they try to entertain with their illusions. The audience enjoys the deception even while they struggle...
by GIFT Coach | Mar 23, 2016 | Adoptive parenting, Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion, Post Adoption Challenges & Behaviors
Subscribers to this blog know that I recently became a grandmother. My husband and I are fortunate to spend time with him while his parents work. This has provided many opportunities to connect with him, to be intentional about how we spend time together, and...
by GIFT Coach | Mar 16, 2016 | Adoptee experience, Adoption-attunement, Adoptive Parenting Skills/Tool, Blogs by Gayle Swift, General Discussion, Strengthening Family Relationships
During this month folks who are Irish –literally or metaphorically– celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Like many holidays, a non-sectarian sense of fun has overtaken the religious aspects of the day’s origins. So what does St. Patrick’s Day...