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An adoptive parent reflects on struggles raising her interracial family

When prospective parents consider the possibility of adopting a child, they think about what advantages they might offer a child: a loving, stable home with economic and education advantages that the child might not otherwise have.

But as the years go on and that child grows up, there can be pitfalls and problems that no one can foresee.

And, if the child is of a different race and ethnic background than the adoptive parents, the pitfalls can be especially challenging.

Like many adoptive parents in Michigan, Mary Koral and her husband Ken opened their hearts and their home to three children they adopted from overseas: specifically from Vietnam, India and Korea.

As the children grew, there were good times. Then came frustration and fear as the children became angry and confused, making some downright dangerous choices.

Mary Koral tells her family's story in her memoir The Year The Trees Didn't Die.

Listen to our discussion with her below:

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