Being in college, I have learned that these next few years of my academic career are a time to be introduced to new ways of thinking and to be challenged in my old ways. I have learned that people are going to have different opinions and beliefs and it is okay to disagree on things. So, when a peer decided to speak out the other day on how opposed she is to adoption, I tried my best to see her viewpoint... at first. I am adopted myself and anyone who knows me, knows that it is the one thing I am most proud of, so her comments on how "stupid" adoption is and how it never works out hit pretty close to home.
However, instead of blowing up on her and letting it get to me, I thought it would be more productive and beneficial to turn the situation into a positive. So, I made a list of the reasons why I am proud to be adopted! Enjoy (:
1. It ALWAYS makes a great story
Being adopted has ensured that I will always have something to say on the first day of class when the teachers ask everyone to introduce themselves and for an interesting fact. One of my favorite things to do is to watch the way people react when they find out I'm adopted. Usually they are either pretty interested and ask all sorts of questions (which I don't mind) or they get really quiet and awkward, which makes me laugh, which makes them even MORE awkward. I am one of the most upfront people about my adoption and I am always more than happy to talk about it.
2. I am constantly thankful
As an adopted person, I have realized that every day I have been given is a gift. My life could be completely different, if I even got one at all, so I never take one thing in my life for granted. I am thankful for the friends who are in my life and the amazing people I get to build relationships with everyday. I am thankful for my incredible parents who, despite the fact that I am not blood of their blood or flesh of their flesh, have given me a life that many would die for and who have never let me go a day without feeling loved and wanted. I am thankful for my little sister who is my best friend and by just looking at us, you'd never be able to tell we are not related. And I am thankful for my birth mother, for making a sacrifice that I know broke her heart, in order to give me a better life.
3. I could not ask for a better family
As Kacey Musgraves says, "Friends come in handy, but family is family". Many people think that because a child is adopted they will not fit into their family as well as a biological child would, but if you know my family at all, you know that we are inseparable. I mean, I even have the same hair and eyes as them. I have never once felt like I was an outcast in my family. My sister and I still sleep together! (and not because of her). My family has given me everything I could ever need and my parents have made sure to support me in anything and everything I have ever wanted to do. God gave me to them for a reason and I could not be more thankful.
4. I have something to stand up for
Being adopted has given me something to speak out for. I am a huge pro-life activist and I have spoken out many times on adoption. I believe in the fact that everyone has a right to life, from womb to tomb, and that is something I will stand up for forever. My mother is constantly tagging me on Facebook in pictures of adoption shirts and both of us try to rep #TeamAdoption whenever possible. I also definitely plan on continuing this amazing cycle when I have settled down and am ready to begin a family of my own.
5. The pun opportunities are endless
The amount of jokes out there (that are not rude or offensive) on adoption are limitless. I mean, I probably make some kind of comical reference to my adoption on a daily basis. I believe that I can do this because my parents made sure that my adoption was a topic of pride and positivity, instead of something I avoided talking about. One of my favorites is when my mom tells people that I was the easiest delivery. (lol, of course I was Mom).
6. The community is one of the strongest communities I've ever been (or will be) a part of
The adoption circle runs strong. Whenever I find out that someone else is adopted, it is like we automatically have a friendship that is on a completely different level. Families involved in adoption realize the blessing being a part of this community is and we all look out for each other. The amount of support out there is incredible, especially on social media.
7. Last but not least, I am loved more than I will ever be able to comprehend
Many people think that adopted children feel unwanted or unloved, but in my case, it is the complete opposite. Think about it. My parents were trying so hard for a child and then all of a sudden I fell into their hands (literally). They specifically chose to take me into their family and have dedicated their lives to giving me the love I need to accomplish the dreams God has placed in my heart. I was chosen, I am cherished, I was the missing piece in a family that is stronger than many out there. I was also especially loved by my birth mother, and I still believe I feel her love every day, because she made the difficult decision to put the needs of her child above the wants of her own heart.
Yes I am adopted and while many people might see my family as puzzle pieces that are different colors, we sure as hell fit together perfectly. I have more than enough to be thankful and proud of and not a day goes by that I wish I hadn't been adopted. I was created for my family and to be a light to represent the unexplainable happiness adoption brings to families.
"I was chosen by my parents that gave me life and chosen by my parents that gave me the tools to live it. I went from wanted to wanted, from cherished to cherished. I grew in the hearts of many. I was the missing piece in grafting families together in unity. I went from loving arms to loving arms. I was ADOPTED"
