"This book is my adoption story, but it is much more than that. It is also the story of how I discovered what is important in life and how I learned to trust the universe."
Journey to My Daughter is about becoming a mother. It details everything from author Jennifer Rose Asher’s decision to have a child, two miscarriages, a whirlwind trip to Vietnam, and how she eventually found her daughter. Along the way, Jennifer and her husband tried multiple approaches while looking for a child and would never have predicted how and where they would find her.
This memoir is also about self-discovery. It’s as much a tale about recognizing and following signs from the universe as it is a story about family. Along the way, Asher learns to release her driven, forceful nature just enough to allow herself to follow the tide of the journey, making her quest more peaceful and allowing her to achieve her goal of motherhood. Whether you’re a prospective adoptive parent, have experienced a miscarriage, or have no plans to have children at all, Journey to My Daughter will help you find solace, hope, and a few laughs along the way.
Excerpt
Author’s Note
This book is my adoption story, but it is much more than that. It is also the story of how I discovered what is important in life and how I learned to trust the universe.
I grew up believing if I ever wanted to have children, I would just decide to have one, and then nine short months later, I would have a baby. I think many little girls grow up with this same line of thinking. I don’t know why very little is taught about infertility and miscarriage when we take health class, but it would have been nice to have some warning.
It seems to me that no one tells most daughters it is not always simple to just have a child once they are married and make the decision it is time to start a family. Few people share stories of infertility and miscarriage, especially beyond a small group of close friends. Even the struggles and difficulties involved in adopting a child are not often discussed or elaborated upon.
I, along with my husband, came to the decision that it was time for us to start a family, and I was truly shocked when our child didn’t just appear without incident nine months later. I experienced miscarriages and later failed adoption attempts and finally the successful adoption of a beautiful baby girl.
I had many adventures along the way to finding my first child. There were multiple heartbreaks, lots of tears, and even a few laughs. I learned a lot about things I never thought I would learn. I learned about the risks of losing pregnancies, and what the progression and growth of a fetus should look like. I studied cultures of many countries I previously knew little about, and even traveled to see a culture I never would have thought I would be able to see myself. I became intimately acquainted with all of the paperwork required for adoptions from several different countries, and eventually what is required to adopt domestically within the United States. I got to know how laws and requirements differ for adopting from multiple countries and from different states within our own country.
I also discovered a lot about myself and about my husband, and how we would weather many types of crises and obstacles. I learned I am tougher than I thought, and that there are times to push, but other times when kindness and grace is required. I learned I can depend on myself, even when the going gets tough, but I can also rely on my family and friends to lend a hand and make things easier when needed.
I made a lot of friends all over the world on this journey. I discovered how important it is to know the right people and how fortunate it can be when they enter my life just as they are needed.
I laughed, I cried, and now I’ve written a book!
