Lioness Edwards

Adoption day

I Remember The Day You Chose Me

My adoption day was a very special day.

I was 5 and a half

Very excited

My parents were going to adopt me.

I was already living with them

Adoption takes time

It needed a court case

This day was official.

We went to Bromley court

All three us

We were asked if we wanted this

“Yes we do”

I was getting new parents.

I was over excited

So very happy

Maybe a little anxious

But at 5 and a half

I don’t think as much.

We went to the cafe for lunch

I had nuggets and chips

99 ice cream, big flake

We looked in the game shops

Then the Disney store

“You can have one toy” I was told

I loved animals

Lady and the Tramp were there

They let me have both!

And took a picture of me with both of them

I held one on each side

They were nearly as big as me!

I was soo excited to have a new Mum and Dad

I was luckiest little girl in the world

The fun didn’t stop there

We went to the park to play

Later that night not too late went to Mamas and Papas

I had the tastiest pasta meal I’d ever had at that time

The Italian chocolate cake and cream was amazing.

I had the most fantastic day

I had the best parents

Whatever happened then on didn’t matter

They accepted me for me

And we looked after each other

We all make the most of life

Life’s future plays how it’s meant to be.

By Lioness Edwards

January 2026

Audhd memories.

A new year and new me.

but some people say “no it’s old you, but you must just try to be better.”

In my opinion, from my audhd point of view, my resolution is to be me.

It’s exhausting not being me - masking the real me as I am aware that some of my views upset others.

Resolution - to lose weight,

but there is no point making resolutions as most get broken.

There’s no point punishing yourself.

To make good memories, if you make resolutions, make the ones that really mean you can make memories how you want and not how things “should” be done.

My brain is a mix of memories.

Some good, others not so good.

I am not going to lie but will be truthful

Nothing good comes from telling lies.

There are ones to remember and ones to cherish for ever.

There are ones I wish I could forget but I really can’t.

I can’t forget what was done to me in the past

the mix of abuse suffered and trauma caused by birth parents, exes I dated and even ex friends.

My family break up, loss of family and friends,

any other others trauma caused

By past jobs and associates

These are part of me - feelings I carry.

I’m stronger because of it.

I didn’t deserve it.

I am me.

I am my unique audhd self.

We move on from the bad

We don’t forget it but build on it and get stronger.

I take good with bad every day .

I am lucky that good outweighs bad memories

I remember the good more vividly than the bad.

An example is my adoption day,

My emotions, my thoughts, my Mum and Dad - they chose me.

I’m uniquely special.

I’m one of the lucky ones - no children’s home,

just foster care and then adoption.

I’m lucky to have had the best foster parents

I was the luckiest girl as I got to go to a family who loved, cared and accepted me for who I am.

To me they are my true parents.

I’ve not got my own family yet but I will not give up trying

I want all that others have too

We never know what the future holds - anything could happen

Got my cats, my partner too

If it never happens that’s ok

At the end of the day

I’m lucky I have a loving family

They taught me love and respect.

And how to care for and treat others - how I would want be treated.

So important.

I have audhd talents

I try to see what others see

But I also see things others don’t.

If others don’t want to accept help that is not my fault.

I love and care unconditionally

I try to help others

I have empathy - plenty of empathy

And I carry issues on my shoulders - the best I can.

I cherish good memories

Times with best friends

Things we did together.

The times spent with my fiancée Daniel

from the first day I met him till now.

The trips to the sea, and zoo days

Remembering the things that we saw

And the laughs that we have.

The caravan holidays we do

A few nights away

An impro trip

Quiz Night

Bowling nights

And comedy too

Weekly walks

Trips to the theatre

Days when we chill

Nobody is perfect but we work out our own way

We are like puzzle pieces.

My days with Mum,

Our trips to Knole

The changes of weather

The different seasons and scenery.

The sounds you hear,

The sights you see.

The movement of trees

The changes and different types of species o animals and fauna you see.

Good memories.

Mum on our weekly coffee shop trip

Or to the stables

Or other trips out

We have spent so much time together

I remember the good more than the bad.

The times spent with visits to Dad’s place

Or occasional visit to me

I have memories and will cherish them all as long as I live.

I even remember the tiniest of memories

The ones that matter and mean the most.

I carry on making memories

I look forward to the ones yet to happen

Like my wedding day

When I have my first child whether natural or adoption

A dream holiday

Maybe a murder mystery holiday

They will be memories never to forget.

I make as many memories as I can

With family like Mum and Dad

And friends

And Dan

Life is too short,

so just need to make as many memories as we can.

Just love life the best you can

Carry on making memories

Here goes……..

I always have memories

Made through groups

Like writing, creative art,

Through West Kent Mind,

With Friends.

Memories,

More to come.

By Lioness Edwards

January 2026