Far From the Tree

In the Landing chapters (pgs. 356-374), the siblings resolve the issues that prevented them from fully getting along with their families and they develop a new appreciation and love for their parents and one another. Maya realizes that regardless of all they went through, she would love her mother and her mother would love her no matter what. Earlier, Maya learns that family means that people will support one another, even if at times relationships could be difficult. Realizing that her bio mother is dead, she knows that she only has one mother in her life, and that they belong together. Maya is able to go beyond her feelings of insecurity and realize that her mother had always been there for her and always will be. She understands that family is also about a commitment to one another through the good and bad times, and she is willing to do her part and support her mother while she is in rehab.

Joaquin agrees to the adoption, thus allowing himself to be loved and accepted into a family. Learning about his origins and his mother's love healed his insecurities. He realizes that his negative thinking created scenarios that simply were not true. Because of his experiences in the foster system, it takes him a long time to accept that he could be wanted in a family. During his adoption and birthday party, all of those who have supported him are present, including Jessica, Ana, his community college professor, siblings, and others. The party signifies the support system that loves him and wants him to succeed. He is now able to embrace those who are there for him, and forms a stable family as a result.

Grace reconciles with her past and present in order to look forward to her future. She frames a picture of her birth mother and places it in a visible place in her home in order for her parents to accept that Grace's past is as much part of her as her present family. Her parents' anger is quelled once they begin to understand that they could no longer hide the past from her, and that she is growing to develop a greater sense of awareness of herself, evident in her assertiveness. She also overcomes her fear and visits Peach and her adoptive parents. When she looks at Peach, she seems the family resemblance that unifies her to her siblings and her mother, all in Peach's face. Peach represents Grace's present and the union of her blood family. Since Peach belongs to another adoptive family, Grace must also move on, toward the future, accepting herself and her past and present choices. With her parents, siblings, and Rafe's support, she has several people who love her and want to see her grow into her best self by overcoming the fear of who she is and where she comes from.