Our Adoption Adventure is Educational

Our adoption experience in which I refer to as an "Adventure" is the perfect description. It has also been a great way to observe other people when discussing adoption. I never knew that so many people would be excited for us. It's funny though because Scot and I always discuss at the end of each week how many friends and family ask, "So are there any updates on the adoption?" or "So do you know what you're having yet?" We discovered that we each have at least 2 people a week ask one of those questions or a variation thereof. We just laugh, but we are delighted that so many people are interested in our process and that so many people have been so supportive.

I have always been a people watcher and listener, but the topic of adoption has definitely given me an opportunity to learn more about my friends and family. Everyone has an opinion about what Scot and I are doing, and they are certainly not afraid to share those opinions with us. I actually don’t even mind everyone voicing their opinions or asking questions whether negative or positive. It’s an opportunity for Scot and me to put ADOPTION out there and to educate others on the process of adoption and its importance. Now we don’t have all the answers by any means, but we do know so much more now than before beginning the adoption process.

I think the most difficult part of our adoption adventure for others to digest is that we have chosen a biracial adoption. Most people are concerned with the difficulties the child will face as he/she grows up because we are white or some people just don’t agree with our decision. We are not going into this with our eyes closed, and we know it won’t be easy. Life in general is not easy. Everyone has their trials and tribulations. The child's race doesn't matter to us. We just want to be parents and to give a child opportunities that they might not receive otherwise.

No matter what happens, our children will have to deal with ignorant people, whether it’s because they are adopted, African-American, Hispanic, Indian, etc. I personally have dealt with discrimination and prejudice as a white woman. For many years of my life I was obese, and people treated me differently and disrespected me because I was obese. People were rude, closed doors in my face, made comments, gave me looks, and even refused me assistance when I was shopping. Because my parents reared me with strong beliefs and morals, I did not allow others to dictate who I would be as a person. And with my inner strength, I was able to overcome my obesity and the underlying issues. Of course for me, I was able to lose weight and change my difference, but I still believe my experiences will be beneficial for our children.

We will rear our children with self-esteem and morals. We will teach them to be proud of being a Gladney baby and to embrace their ethnic background and beliefs. No one person is the same and that is why each person is unique. Scot and I will also embrace and learn with our children about their ethnic background and heritage. It will be one of many opportunities to bond with our children. We will also be in contact with Gladney Family Services throughout our children’s lives so that they will discover themselves as individuals and it will be a support group for us. In addition, we have friends and family of all races, and we will be able to go to them if we don’t have an answer for our children. Our children will know that being different is a good thing.

If we haven't told you before, please feel free to ask Scot or me any questions about our adoption process. We love talking about it!! Of course there's nothing new yet. We're still waiting, but at least we're approved. We're hoping to find out if we're receiving a grant at the end of February or sometime in March. Keep your fingers crossed!! Bye for now.