I wanted to share my four things about adoption from the view point of an adoptee. Yes, I am following behind Mary Owlhaven’s from the Ethiopia Adoption Blog post “Four things about adoption” I’m just late to the event.

Four things I thought about adoption when I was a child

That people (general public) did not understand adoption and were quite cruel at times when they talked about adoption or had questions.

That being adopted was a unique thing and not a lot of people were adopted.

I thought it was amazing that my parents adopted me and I always wanted to adopted children.

When I was younger I thought my parents went to the baby store and picked me out, brought me and took me home.


Four things I've learned since then

I have learned that there are a lot of adoptees in this world.

That being adopted is just part of who I am. It does not define the person I am or what my life will be.

That people (general public) tend to look at adoptees as if there is something wrong with them and in a negative light.

The adoption journey is a lifetime journey that at times may be painful.



Four silly things people have said to me about adoption

How does it feel to be adopted?

Where are your real parents?

Do you having anything to do with you adoptive parents now?

Why did your real parents not want you, or what was, or is, wrong with you?



Four things that could make it easier for adoptees

Allowing them to go through the adoption journey at their own pace.

Not putting your own expectations on their adoption journey.

Support them if they choose to search or not to search for their birth families.

Understanding that being adopted is a chapter in their book of life, a major chapter, but it is not what the book is all about.

Four things that are hard about being adopted

Uneducated people and their remarks about being adopted are hard to deal with at times.

Not having the right at the age of 18 to your birth history information.

All of the unanswered questions of the past.

The grief you may experience through your adoption journey.

Four blessings that I came away with through my adoption

A chance at a great life.

My wonderful parents (adoptive) and how they raised me.

My sister, who was adopted with me.

I have the gift of knowing that love can come through adoption.

Four things I wish everyone knew about adoption

I could not love my parents more now than if I had been born from them, and that people should really understand this.

That most adoptees do grow up to be happy, healthy adults that love their adoptive parents.

That there are some truly amazing children needing loving forever homes.

That adoption for the most part is a gift of love, life, possibilities, dreams, family, and hope for everyone.

I had to go back occasionally and change my answers since I would answer them as an adoptive mom instead of an adoptee. I think I will work on my view as an adoptive parent. It’s funny how both are different.