Today was a much needed break! After being snowed in for what felt like forever, I was finally able to get out and enjoy the entire day with my family. Relatives visiting from out of town took us to lunch and a local children’s attraction called The Magic House. The kids had a great time, I too finally had a great time.

I wondered why I have been under such stress prior to today though. Have I been doing something different, something wrong? A big part of the stress I feel just never goes away unfortunately, even at a “magic “ house. Adoption and the stress and issues it brings into my life is something I can’t just get away from, can never completely take a break from.

People like to believe that as an adoptive parent all I know is complete and utter joy about my experience. After all I have the children right? If there are things that bug me about adoption, my experience or the world’s views in general, no one seems to understand that. If there are things that I don’t like, something that gives me stress or grief I am often getting the message that I should not be talking about it. Makes it really hard to just relax.

Not talking can lead to a ton of stress. Not being heard or respected when your express your frustration is also extremely stressful. Now I know that I can’t escape from my life, or from adoption in general (because let’s face it this IS my life), but it would be great to know that someone hearing my sense of frustration could respond with empathy.

I wish there was a magic house (or place) to go to really get away from the stress adoption issues can add to my life. It would be great some times to take a break and just enjoy the day.