Each year as the end of August/beginning of September rolls around, I get a little introspective. For you see, this is my anniversary. I am not talking about my wedding anniversary (although I did get married just three days before my birthday.)
What I am referring to is the anniversary of my birthday. But this is not just any birthday...because I am a special child.
Despite everything I've been through, I have to remember this one thing...I was chosen specifically by my adoptive parents to be their daughter. (My brother is adopted too.) They wanted me. They picked me...for the first time in my life...I was wanted.
My birth mother may not have wanted me (she was too young), but someone else did. AND...best of all...it's better than the alternative. I feel very lucky to be here. When my life is at it's darkest point, the bleakest time, I need to remind myself just how lucky I am...just how special.
It takes a special kind of person to be strong enough to get past the fear, the stigma and the failure of not being able to have children and follow the path to adoption. In that respect, my parents are special too.
Adoption...it seemed so much easier back then. Today, not so much. I'm still trying to wrap my head around not being able to have children and not being able to financially afford the costs for adopting. It may be too late for me, but there is still always hope. The dream of something...I'm still working on a plan. It's a big plan...
So tonight as I write this, I am not crying, rather, I am rejoicing in the fact that I am here, just like so many other adopted children...special children chosen by special parents.
What I am referring to is the anniversary of my birthday. But this is not just any birthday...because I am a special child.
I was adopted.
Despite everything I've been through, I have to remember this one thing...I was chosen specifically by my adoptive parents to be their daughter. (My brother is adopted too.) They wanted me. They picked me...for the first time in my life...I was wanted.
My birth mother may not have wanted me (she was too young), but someone else did. AND...best of all...it's better than the alternative. I feel very lucky to be here. When my life is at it's darkest point, the bleakest time, I need to remind myself just how lucky I am...just how special.
It takes a special kind of person to be strong enough to get past the fear, the stigma and the failure of not being able to have children and follow the path to adoption. In that respect, my parents are special too.
Adoption...it seemed so much easier back then. Today, not so much. I'm still trying to wrap my head around not being able to have children and not being able to financially afford the costs for adopting. It may be too late for me, but there is still always hope. The dream of something...I'm still working on a plan. It's a big plan...
So tonight as I write this, I am not crying, rather, I am rejoicing in the fact that I am here, just like so many other adopted children...special children chosen by special parents.
***I have written this piece for a group on Facebook that I joined, GBE 2: Blog On. This is week #16 and the topic is Children or Parent. Interested in more...click on the picture below to take you there.
You have more family than you think! I pick you Susan! You are stuck with me and John and the kids! Love ya!
ReplyDeleteLovely post, Susan. You are able to accentuate the positive - you were chosen - and not the negative aspect of adoption. I wish you well with your 'big plan'.
ReplyDeleteSusan, this is such a touching post, thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteI so appreciate your attempt to stay positive about such a special child, but I also appreciate you struggling with the difficulty of adoption today. I wish you total success in your efforts and know that any child chosen by Susan would be one very SPECIAL and gifted child.
ReplyDeleteYowsa, Susan. That's intense. Your words warmed my heart while giving me chills. What an awful dilemma to have to give up a child, but how wonderful that you were -- and no doubt, still ARE -- loved. A very moving post.
ReplyDeleteWith all of the need in the world, it's amazing to me that adoption has become such a complicated/expensive undertaking. Lots of kids need homes and families, and lots of loving adults would be happy to provide them. It seems simple enough.
ReplyDeleteWritten like a true optimist. This is beautiful.
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