In a month that has been bombarded with tension, it’s always good to take a step back and drink in some positivity. November is National Adoption Month. There are an estimated 135,000 adoptions in the US each year. This month is focused on children in the US foster care system, leading up to National Adoption Day on November 19th. According to their official site, "National Adoption Day is a collective national effort to raise awareness of the more than 100,000 children in foster care waiting to find permanent, loving families."

The National Adoption Day site is an excellent resource to read stories from adoption families, learn helpful tips about the process, and even find facts debunking myths surrounding adoptions from the foster care system. I highly recommend giving it a look whether or not you are familiar with the adoption process.

I was six when my parents told me we were going to adopt a baby. I remember all of the anticipation as we got the house ready for the new baby. There was a particular day I recall I sitting quietly playing with my Spiderman action figure while my mom and the social worker looked around our house. I was too young to understand all of the ends and outs of what was happening, but I remember it all seemed so surreal. Those months were a blur as we made preparations to bring my baby sister home.

I remember the long road trip and the day we got the hospital for my sister’s birth. My mom was moved to tears at the fact that she'd been asked to be in the room for my sister's birth. I remember nervously sitting in the waiting room with my dad and the moment they called us back.

There she was. My new baby sister. At that point, I had no grasp of the gravity of the situation, but it was all an exciting adventure to me. I wouldn't know what an immense impact that adoption would have on me.

My parents and I had to go back home for a couple weeks while my sister was in the care of a foster mother while the process was finalized. I remember my mom was pretty on-edge during that time as she anxiously awaited the call that we could officially bring my sister home.

Finally one day there was a knock on my classroom door, my parents were there to pick me up early. I found out that we’d be leaving once again. This time to bring my baby sister home. My dad had hooked up my mini TV with the built-in VCR in the back seat for me to watch movies on our road trip. At some point, I’d fallen asleep while watching a Mary Kate & Ashley video and next thing I knew we were there.

That morning we met the foster mother at the adoption agency and she had my sister dressed in the cutest little outfit (photo courtesy of my sentimental mother!). It was finally time to take the trip back home where we were greeted with love from friends and family.

My childhood was completely transformed by my little sister. I was a quiet and reserved kid. I liked (still like) my daily naps. My sister, on the other hand, couldn’t stay in one place long. Full of energy and a daredevil. From day one she rocked my little world. Her incredible creativity has helped me continue to push the boundaries of my own wild imagination. Oh, the adventures we've had.

I can’t imagine my life without adoption. Adoption blessed me with my wonderful little sister. I urge you to look into ways to be involved with the adoption process in your area. There are thousands of babies in need of a loving home and families lined up trying to navigate the process. On Adopt Us Kids, you can find many helpful and practical ways to be involved through opportunities like donating supplies or volunteering to be a photographer at an adoption agency. Adoption is such a beautiful thing. 10/10 would recommend.