The Colorado General Assembly has taken a historic, exemplary step to protect the interests of donor-conceived persons with the near-unanimous passage of SB 22-224, which received Gov. Jared Polis’ signature. For decades, the fertility industry has existed as a global, largely unregulated multi-billion dollar market which, according to one friend who works in the equine […]
Richard Uhrlaub
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Opinion: A Denver adoptee marvels at the Olympic adoptees on Team USA
As a former slightly above-average competitive swimmer who has put in more than a few laps in Denver-area pools, I can’t help but be inspired and impressed by, and a little envious of, the remarkable stories of multiple adoptees who have qualified to compete at the Tokyo Olympics. And, as someone who has facilitated search […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Opinion: Adoptees live at the ambiguous intersection of money, love and oppression
If you type #NAAM2020 into the search bar of your favorite social media platform, you might be surprised at what pops up. Some adult adoptees have decided to “reclaim,” or “flip the script,” on National Adoption Awareness Month (November), originally created as a time to recognize children in need of permanent, loving homes. What began […]
Posted inOpinion, Write On, Colorado
I’m inspired by acts of love and sacrifice. But then there are our selfish tendencies.
Taking Our Chances We drive fast cars,We cross the street,We ski in cold,We hike in heat. We fly in planes,We eat fried food,We smoke and vapeAnd call it good. We burn our skinTo look robust,We sleep with strangersOut of lust. MORE: See all of our Write On, Colorado entries and learn how to submit your own […]
Posted inOpinion, Write On, Colorado
At first it was an annoying, early morning noise. Now it’s a life-affirming response to the shutdown.
Inspiration: We all have varying ways of managing our cabin fever. What started as an “odd hours” annoyance has evolved into a “Ride on, skaterdude!” every time I hear him. Odd Hours Your skateboard wheels kuh-lack! before the sunSends quiet light at five fifty-two a.m.How can you see from inside that hoodieTo steer your cambered […]
Posted inOpinion, Write On, Colorado
Stunned by youthful disregard while a loved one died in assisted living, I wrote this poem
For a Corona We May Die While beautiful young idiots drink beerAnd play outside in sun and sand and sea,Their elders hide indoors and gasp in fear. Chief Propagandist drones, “It won’t come here.We’re safe. Go work. The best economy.”So beautiful young idiots drink beer. Physicians, COVID experts make it clear:This bat contagion is no […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Opinion: Encourage the hope, honor the lament of those touched by adoption. It could save a life.
Adoption, like politics, has often been viewed through polarized lenses that generate passionate emotions and fiercely held beliefs that may or may not be helpful and healthy. The first view, usually espoused by adoption agencies and prospective parents waiting to adopt, is bathed in love and ethereal light, basking in the hope and promise of […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Opinion: Baby Safe Haven laws — What we do and don’t know after 20 years
Almost everyone agrees that saving the life of a newborn, especially if the baby’s mother is in crisis and thinking of harming her infant, is a top priority. So there’s really no downside to the Safe Haven laws, enacted since 1999 in Colorado and nationally, that allow for a baby to be anonymously left in […]
Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns
Opinion: From orphan trains to DNA: As adoption evolves, many paradoxes remain
November is National Adoption Awareness Month, and this year, after more than 20 years facilitating an advocacy, search and support group for adults touched by relinquishment and adoption, I am keenly aware of one thing: despite its evolution, adoption involves complicated paradoxes. With respect to laws, much has changed for the better. Colorado’s first adoption […]