Looking at the many tributes to the fallen soldiers both past and present this Memorial day holiday, I ran across a little poem by Amanda Bradley that I wanted to share. Her words not only eloquently spoke of those we honor today, but it also seemed to speak to me of all the hopes that I hold for the adoption community.

For all the conflict we often find dividing us, we still need to reach out to one another for empathy and understanding. Because the experiences that mark our personal journeys are so complex and different, it is all to easy to forget that we also share an important connection in each other. Our connection, whether it is as different parents of the same child, or children who find themselves with the legacy and love of two families, is a truly remarkable one. The words on Ms. Bradley’s poem held meaning to me for our community in that way.

Peace - Amanda Bradley

Peace will come when people live
In friendship, side by side,
And cherish understanding
More than hatred, greed and pride.

Peace will come when people see
All people as the same,
And no one has to live in fear,
In ignorance, or shame.

Peace will come when people
Who are needy can reach out
For shelter, food, or love,
And no one has to do without.

Peace will come when people
Learn to listen and to care
About the rights and dignity
Of people everywhere.

Peace will come when love and trust
And kindness know rebirth,
And on that day all people
Will rejoice in peace on earth.

With all the varied emotions that accompany any experience through the lens of adoption, peace would indeed be a blessing. As our soldiers often find themselves involved in conflict that is not always supported by all and for various reasons, our soldiers themselves though, always are appreciated and supported. We can make the distinction because we know that there are times to let differences rest for the greater good. Our young men and women who are supporting us through their service depend on this.

Something very similar could be said of the triad relations in adoption. The children who depend on us, also depend on us to find peace for ourselves, and in our relationships with each other. They deserve our honest efforts for this, and that is why I will personally continue to hold out hope for a peace in our world, and the world of adoption too.

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