Michelle Alden

From the Inside Out Michelle Alden

Troy and Rachel are exceptional parents and have both compassion and dedication as they start an unusual journey to adopt Ricky and Ben, two boys whose father abandoned them and who have experienced abuse and neglect at their hands of their mother. They come to the family fully equipped in their own survival skills, fears and issues from their pasts. From fighting at school to full blown destructive tantrums, Ben keeps everyone at a distance, especially Rachel who longs to give him a place of safety in her home. Ricky is cute and energetic, often clingy and tries hard to make sure his new family will think he is good enough to stay. As Rachel and Troy work together to provide consistency and build trust, their own children are part of the healing and bring in various aspects of their own challenges. The journey takes Rachel and Troy into aspects of their own childhood abuse and turmoil as they deal with various behavioral issues, family changes and emotionally draining situations with the love and wisdom equal to their dedication. FROM THE INSIDE OUT is based on research about abused children and why many adoptions fail. It takes you into the heart and soul of hurting children and while bridging the gap between the pain of the past and hope a forever home can offer.