Just like I always knew I'd be a teacher, I also always had this desire to adopt children. Although I had no idea of the circumstances that would bring me there, I just had this deep seeded feeling that it was something I was going to do in my lifetime, it was in my heart.
After being married for 7 years and trying to have children, our journey to adopt began, sooner than I initially thought. Since the start of the process we have grown in so many ways and since Saturday was National Adoption Day, it seems like a good time to celebrate all those who have been brought into our lives by this amazing experience, especially our beautiful children and their first parents who brought them into the world.
Adoption is not a small or short term process. It is not easy or free of pain or sadness. It starts with loss. For us, it began with the loss of us having our own biological children and for the birth parents of adopted children, it is the loss of the children they give birth to.
It is, however, one of the greatest blessings I have experienced. Although I will never know the experience of giving birth to my own child, there are many more who are unable to know the experience of being a parent through the miracle of adoption.
Adoption will affect our entire lives and the lives of our children and because we are blessed to have open adoptions, we hope to have contact with our children's birth families forever. It is truly a blessing to have them as part of our family.
E and his birth grandmother
Little Miss and her birth mother
These two get along like typical siblings. They drive each other bonkers on some days and on others they are best friends. They are so different, yet remarkably similar. Everyday is an adventure and we are always grateful, even on the days we struggle as parents.
Happy Adoption Month to all those blessed by adoption.
If you're interested in reading more, click on the adoption label on the right of this blog. There are several more posts that share our story.