I did mention that her speech left me with tears of laughter. The first half of her speech she related how her family has grown through adoption and some of the times they have experienced together. Check out her Occasional Blog to read more and to catch her humor. Melissa then talked about her book and how Haregewoin Teferra came to take on the role of foster mother to so many children.
Having just finished reading the book myself a few days before the fundraiser, it was all fresh in my mind and made for a very enjoyable experience. The night was so busy that I didn't have a chance to introduce myself to Melissa until she was leaving. But that was ok as I knew I would have time with her the next day. Plus I was initially a little nervous about meeting her - as if she was a rock star or something. She knew I was on the organizational committee and so she made a point of saying hello as she left. After that very brief introduction, my nervousness abated.
We met up with her at her hotel for brunch on Monday morning. Lucky me - I was fortunate enough to have Melissa sitting next to me. Hopefully we didn't all assault her with a barrage of questions (she didn't quite get to finish her breakfast, I noted), but she was very solicitous and patient. I took away a feeling of great warmth from this lady. She is so down to earth. She was very honest about her experiences as an adoptive mother (as you can see on her blog) and she gave great advice.
The Face to Face Fundraising Committee with MFG:
One thing that she said stands out that I've heard before: Don't expect the first meeting with your child to be a perfect "Hallmark moment" - expect terror and uncertainty, and then if you feel love & other sappiness then it's a bonus.
Melissa signed our books for us (no time for that on Sunday night), took a bunch of pics with us, and then she was off (and yes, I hugged her goodbye).
I love this picture of her:
If you ever have the opportunity to meet Melissa, I highly recommend you hop to it.
