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Look for Susan's & Joanne's interview in:
People Magazine
September 18, 2006 Issue - Pg. 159-164
Cover features Steve Irwin the Crocodile Hunter
Headline:
"In 1968, they were teenage girls, unwed and pregnant.
Shunned by family and society at large, like countless women
of their generation, they were...FORCED TO GIVE UP THEIR
BABIES"
This 4 page article features 3 (long-story) women from
the book, "The Girls Who Went Away" by Ann
Fessler: Nancy Horgan, Lydia Manderson, and Susan Souza.
The article focuses on surrender and reunion. Each mom is
pictured along with her son or daughter.
..................................................................................................................
Susan is interviewed by Stephanie Nano of The Associated
Press in regards to an article written and published in
the New England Medical Journal by Jackie's physician, Dr.
Lawrence Wolfe, of The Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts-New
England Medical Center.
How
To Talk To Dying Children
.............................................................................................................
Memories of A Time Gone By - by Susan Mello
Souza
I didn't sleep well last night thinking about walking those
halls again. As much as I have always wanted to return, I'm
scared. Of what exactly, I don't know. Can one ever really
go back? Maybe I'm afraid that all I remember to be true won't
be. That my memories are fantasy, not fact, and I've become
comfortable with the things I remember.
e-magazine.adoption.com
...................................................................................................................
PROVIDING HOPE WHILE GIVING BACK
"THE POWER WITHIN"
"It's July 1968. Under the cover of night,
Daddy places my suitcase in the trunk, not wanting the neighbors
to see. After all, I'm only seventeen, and I'm being sent
away to hide my unwed pregnancy. My twelve week ordeal of
living at St. Mary's Home for Unwed Mothers, to relinquish
my unborn child, is about to begin."
Now, thirty-five-years later, Susan Mello Souza returns to
St. Mary's Home, now a shelter for women and children, to
give back. On Thursday, February 19, 2004, Susan, author of
The Same Smile - The Triumph of A Mother's Love After Losing
Two Daughters, returned to face her demons, only this time,
doing something about it. Along with her, she brought her
partner, Joanie Winberg, a Certified Life Coach, to address
the young women participating in the Women@Work* program.
Susan has certainly come full circle.
The 5-Step "HAVE IT ALL Lifestyle with Ease Workshop"
combines Susan's inspirational story of hope and courage,
along with Joanie's program on "how to" focus on
their strengths, build self-confidence and character, and
to let go of struggle, even if only for a time, to experience
joy and fulfillment.
The enthusiasm displayed by the young women in attendance
was very evident. Their willingness to listen and learn, as
well as participate, showed just how determined these women
are to move forward with their lives and pursue their dreams
for their future, as well as those of their children.
The energy in the room was explosive. The girls shared openly,
with an overwhelming sense of emotion and enthusiasm when
Susan and Joanie stressed the importance of dreaming. One
of the very first comments made was, "I realize that
I do have dreams in my life and that, no matter what, I can
accomplish them." Then, to hear, "I'm learning that
I have always had a "power within me" that I didn't
know was there," was emotionally moving for Susan and
Joanie. At that point, they were thrilled to know their presentation
was having such a powerful impact.
Other ''aha" moments experienced by the entire group
were, "I am my biggest doubter," said one girl.
"I now know what to tell my little voices and my doubters,
so I can dream a whole lot more," said another. It gave
them the determination, and in one girl's words, "It
made me think more about me and how nothing will stop me from
pursuing my dreams."
In the spirit of giving, it was an honor and a privilege
for Susan and Joanie to dedicate their time and energy to
make a difference in the lives of these young, hopeful women.
The tools provided through their workshop will help to prepare
them to lead successful lives, while contributing to their
communities.
*Women @ Work is a 16-week job readiness-training program
that addresses the vocational needs of women who face multiple
barriers to employment, including homelessness, lack of a
GED or high school diploma, history of substance abuse or
domestic violence, and difficulty obtaining or sustaining
employment.
"Reaching For A Dream"
by Michael Medeiros
"For Acushnet resident Susan Mello Souza, chasing a dream
was on of the most important decisions of her life. Now she
wants to help others follow their own elusive goals. Together
with speaking partner Joanie Winberg, Mrs. Souza has started
the "Have It All Lifestyle with Ease" program, a seminar
that is aimed at providing people with the tools they need to
achieve things they have only thought of doing..."
"A Trio of Brio"
Local authors take publishing into their own hands to tell
their lively stories by Tony Lewis
Authors who've published books know that the toughest part of
the process isn't the actual writing. The real struggle begins
when the last page is completed and the search for a publisher
begins...
www.southcoasttoday.com
"Family Reunion"
by Paula Kerr
Like most folks in the region, Susan Souza made the annual
Christmas pilgrimage to Fall River Knitting Mills. But while
they looked for a perfect cardigan, she looked for a precious
child...
www.heraldnews.com
My Healing Experience After Reunion - by Susan
Mello Souza
Although my "secret" is out and the stress of "not
knowing" is gone, a newer, more powerful issue has emerged.
A level of anger and resentment has risen within me that I
don't know how to handle. I feel cheated and betrayed. My
needs and instincts as a woman were completely dismissed merely
because I was 17. I must finally come to terms with all I
have been through. Meet my demons head on.
e-magazine.adoption.com
"Adoption is Basis for Acushnet Woman's Book"
by Michael Medeiros
In 1968, Acushnet resident Susan Mello Souza gave up her daughter
for adoption. That began a journey that lasted for over 30
years, and which is chronicled in her new book, The Same Smile...
"A Promise Kept"
by Hank Seaman
"It's a harsh world when you're unmarried and pregnant
at 17," Susan Mello Souza says with a look that's hard
to describe.
An indefinable sadness haunts the Acushnet woman's recollections
as she talks of the summer of 1968 and the situation in which
she found herself as she entered a home for unwed mothers
in another part of the state. Absolutely alone and mindnumbingly
frightened..
www.southcoasttoday.com
"A beautiful, true story of adoption and reunion."
WBZ News Radio 1030 in Boston, MA
www.jordanrich.com
920AM on WHJJ in Providence, RI
www.readingwithrobin.com
Lite Rock 105 and 92 ProFM in Providence, RI
If you know an Amazing Woman, please contact deb.ruggiero@citcomm.com
COAST 93.3 Providence, RI
8 - 10 A.M. Every Sunday
Each week, Coast
93.3 honors women in Southern New England who are
making a difference in our community. Donna discusses the
challenges and rewards experienced by these special women
from a variety of walks of life.
Susan and her daughters were interviewed on...
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
2 - 3 p.m. on WSAR 1480 AM
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