As a birthmother who placed her child through adoption in 1966, Susan continued using art therapy while processing her stifled emotions. For nearly three years she silently sketched and painted her way through a myriad of unresolved feelings concerning her adoption decision. The collection of pensive self-portraiture was interrupted briefly as she pondered thoughts of the other mother in her daughter's life ...the mother who was raising Jeanne. This matter of the heart is portrayed gently in Susan's pastel-washed pen and ink style.

*note: After 26 years, Susan, upon meeting with her estranged daughter in 1993,learned that Jeanne was blessed with a lovely mother.

A Mother Somewhere ...held my child
Somewhere a mother held my child
Was her manner meek and mild?

While my arms ached
Did hers know pleasure?
Two mothers lived
In unbalanced measure

However, if fortunate,...our child
Sensed no conflict.

A Birthmother's Book of Poetry

Credits: Susan Van Sleet