Right now I have many friends waiting for their pick up trips. It makes me think back to that day just over two years ago when I went to pick up Maria. I'm starting to hear more parents talk about the grief their child experiences on that pick up day....the leaving of the only home they ever knew behind....the fear and pain that loss produces. When I picked up Maria, I knew it would be hard for her....I didn't realize how hard. At that time I didn't know many families who were being open about the grief and pain their child was experiencing....I'm glad that is changing. The reality is adoption isn't like the movie Annie.....it isn't a child fully trusting you or grateful that you have taken them from the bad orphanage or mean orphanage director (that doesn't describe Maria's experience at all). It is scary, I still cannot believe how brave Maria was on that day, not knowing what her life would be like or where her best friend would end up. I realize for little sister aka "E", it will be different in some ways and similar in others. Although I look forward to the day when "E" is home in my arms forever, I know there will be more pain and loss along the way.
November is National Adoption month.....with all the joy that comes from adoption, also take a moment to consider the loss. Accepting our kids means also accepting the loss and grief they have experienced.
No comments:
Post a Comment