I’ve desired to adopt for as long as I’ve known what adoption was. My family used to do the “Fresh Air Fund” where a child from NYC would spend summers in my home, from when I was ages five through fifteen. It was during that experience that I realized the power of nonbiological bonds. My parents were incredible examples of that, from the Fresh Air Fund to hosting our second cousins from France, and welcoming my friends into the home.
I believe immensely in timing, and after a couple of years of soul-searching, I knew deep in my heart that adoption is the best path to parenthood for me. For six years, I was a stepmom to an incredible child. I met her when she was six, and she is now fifteen. That experience proved to me even more that families can be created in so many ways. My best friends who live down the street have an adopted daughter, now fourteen. It’s been wonderful to be part of her life, and it excites me that I will get to have this experience myself.
About Chloé
Hello! And welcome. I’m 39 years old and an author. I’ve published five books, and I teach writing classes, mentorships, and writing retreats in various places like Paris, France, and Reykjavik, Iceland, but mostly in the town where I live in Hudson, NY. I teach year-long programs over Zoom to help people write their own book in a year, as well as 4-week and 6-week Zoom classes for people all over the world. I also write books and articles and do speaking events. For many years, I worked at multiple clothing stores in Hudson on the side.
For hobbies, I love reading and meandering through bookstores, swimming in rivers and lakes, going to yoga class, walking and talking with friends over coffee, going to movies and plays, trying new recipes and restaurants, attending literary events, and dancing. I get together with friends frequently to cook a meal, chat, and play with their kids.
Fun Fact: I love color-coding my books in rainbow order, or doing all blues in one room to set the mood. I know how to find my books based on what color they are, and not by the title or author.
My Life
My life is filled with creativity and close friendships, chosen family, and extended family. Hudson offers such excellent diversity and cultural experiences within the community. A day can look like coffee with a friend, working from home teaching classes, and then walking down to the Hudson River. Often, there is live music or another type of event going on that I will attend. I often go to the farmer’s market, read, and attend yoga classes. Sometimes I go to my mom’s house, which is twenty minutes away in the county where I grew up. There, I can walk in the woods and see animals like deer, fox, and a variety of birds. Occasionally, I’ll go to NYC on the Amtrak to see a play or visit friends. I feel so lucky that writing and teaching have afforded me such a rich and flexible life.
My Family
My mom has eight siblings, which lends itself to many aunts and uncles and cousins of all ages, from two-year-olds to thirty-year-olds. My brother is a couple of years older than me, and he lives abroad teaching English as a second language. Currently, he is teaching in Vietnam. My father passed away last December, and he is dearly missed. He was a musician and owned a music store with an eclectic offering of instruments from all around the world. I am really close with my cousins and aunts, with whom I take a yearly trip. So far, we have done Gloucester, Massachusetts, Paris, France, Topanga, California, and Santa Barbara, California. My cousins and aunts have shown to be a huge and steady support system for me. We’d be excited to take my adopted child on these trips!
My best friends are Joe and Marty, who live down the street from me. They have an adopted daughter who is currently fourteen. I met her when she was seven. She’s really excited about my adopting a child and can’t wait to be in the child’s life, especially as an adoptee herself. We love going to see musicals together, getting ice cream, and just chatting and reading. I have dozens of close friends here in Hudson, as well as scattered throughout the US. Deep friendships are super important to me, and each year we have a huge Friendsgiving.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I know your child will find the right home at the right time, whether with me or someone else. I am honored you took the time to consider me, and I am rooting for you.
-Chloé
