Stretch Marks

by Liz Raptis Picco

My man and I had all but abandoned the dream of becoming parents after enduring miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, and a devastating failed adoption. Then out of the blue, a call ignited a spark of hope and within weeks we’d been smittened by two abandoned toddlers in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, one of the most dangerous cities in North America.

Within months, my American bravado, and Mexican heritage emboldened my decision to live in Juárez, but I was unprepared for the onslaught of isolation and fear for my sons’ safety while I plowed through a labyrinthine adoption process. Yet my greatest challenge came from within as I confronted the reality of raising two troubled boys and was rattled by the incessant question and doubt. Had I made the right choice?

257 pages, Paperback

First published March 6, 2013

Reviews

[Dora E.H.]

A Story of Great Love and Perseverance

A mother's story of her struggles with infertility, the anguish of having her adopted baby girl torn away from her when the birth-mother decided to reclaim the child, and the treacherous living conditions she had to live under in order to adopt a second time.

This family was willing to risk all in order to adopt two very young Mexican boys desperately in need of a loving home and family. Written with raw honesty, Liz describes her conflicting emotions, fears, and doubts while remaining committed to carrying out her mission to adopt Agustin and Ricardo.

Both Liz and her loving husband, Marty, experienced tremendous setbacks along the pathway to attempt adoption for a second time--setbacks that would have caused most people to give up. This memoir is an inspiring gift that will provide support, insight, and understanding to families that are struggling with infertility and adoption issues.

[Jen]

I feel the book would have benefitted from a more extensive background involving the struggle to become and stay pregnant. It would have increased this reader's sympathy for the author. As it was, I had sympathy for the husband, because he seemed to be there for his wife and she just seemed to be focused on her need to be a mom. Again, more background would have made the writer more understandable. The writing was good, but I wanted more explanation.

I also, personally, do not understand the driving need of some women to procreate, so the book didn't speak to me. I didn't finish it, but it was more a personal issue, not an issue with the book or author. Not bad. I can see it speaking to other readers.