Out and about today I had an interesting encounter with a fellow mom at the local McDonalds. Of course it is obvious to most who run into us, that my son is not an exact duplicate of me, though he shares my bushy eyebrows and dark eyes. That said, it came as no surprise when this lady asked me about the “A” word in between french fries today.

Turns out she was interested because she herself is an adopted person, albeit a happy one. Seems as though she had a wonderful childhood, loving parents who fully explained adoption and later encouraged and assisted her in her search for birthparents. She relayed how she has been equally as happy in her eventual reunion with her birthparents, and both sets of parents get along well, and communicate often. Wow! Now there is some hope you can super-size for me! My kids may grow up to be happy, well adjusted adoptees, who have good productive relationships with their birthfamilies, and still love their parents (me and hubby). WOW, one can hope right?

Contrary to a lot of the hype you may hear out there, I still believe in the positives of adoption. I have to, my family depends on it. I want and need to know that adoption is OK, even if every adoption isn’t. The whole joining of my family was set in motion by various things. Most of those things were out of my own hands, so I want to know that the outcome will have something to do with my decisions, my way of handling our experience with adoption.

It really sounded like this woman’s parents, although she confirmed they were restricted by the era of closed adoption, still turned their family into a happy one. They apparently gave their daughter the confidence she needed growing up, and the self-esteem she needed to search. Their love and approval speaks volumes (as she did to me today). I can only hope to do as well with my own family. This woman inspired me today, perhaps unknowing, just by sharing her simple story of a life whose puzzle pieces were never totally lost, and fit perfectly together when needed. I wish every adoption were so simple to reconcile.

I really wish I had more time to talk to this woman, hear more about her unique experience. Unfortunately I was on my way to therapy for my daughter and we were cut short in our discussion. I admit though, it was certainly encouraging to hear that sometimes things do workout, it is “OK”.

Adoption is OK.


A Part of the Family

Being Grateful To Two Moms

Not Lost, But Found