“What are you thinking?” “Do you know what you are getting into?” “Have you given this enough thought?” “Why would you give up the terrific life that you have?” I know… I’ve heard it in the voices of some of you; I’ve seen it in your face as we’ve shared our decision to adopt. Disbelief, sarcasm, disappointment, negativity – the list could go on.
Yes – we have a great life. We have secure jobs, freedom to do what we want/when we want, the ability to stay up late and sleep in, enjoy the kids around us and send them home. We do a little traveling (a little less than I’d like, a little more than Mark would like – at least right now), have a little breathing room financially (although not much while I’m in school), and enjoy our life. If we don’t adopt, I can’t see that changing except to improve.
We’re “older” - we have friends with children in college. They are at a whole different stage in their lives. I can only think of 1-2 couples that we know with children under the age of 5. There are many arguments and reasons NOT to start our adoption journey at this stage in our lives.
So why are we embarking on this road filled with uncertainty, sleepless nights, financial demands, tears, stress, and potential heartache? I’m pretty sure it’s not because we’re crazy. We are in a good place to start our family right now. We do have secure jobs, we are financially stable, and we have the ability to offer our child some of the things that we wouldn’t have been able to 20 years ago.
In addition, we also want to share all that we have with our precious child. Every day, Mark and I feel blessed to have this life. We choose to see the glass “half-full” and plan to instill in our child(ren) that same appreciation for life, laughter, friends, family, and happiness. We will nurture, teach, love, and guide them to adulthood in hopes that our children will live their lives in a way that the world is a better place for those whose lives they touch.
For those of you who are skeptical, yes – we know that we are choosing to make a radical change in our lifestyle. No – we haven’t anticipated every possibility, but we do know it won’t always be easy or fun. We choose this journey anyway – eagerly awaiting hugs, kisses, mud pies, frogs, diapers, all the things that being a parent brings.
For those of you who offered your congratulations and support, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
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