Most that know me outside of blog life, know that both my brother and I were adopted. I've thought much of revealing this, only because I don't know that this is such a huge part of who I am. To me, adoption and being an adopted child play such a monumental and at the very same time, a very small role in what made me.
There is a 'thing' that I think wanders the minds of those blessed enough to be adopted - at least for me it did - that the idea of mothering and giving birth to your own children seems somewhat a suspicious thing. A curiousity. How can a parent that did not give birth to a child, love that baby as it's own? I was two days old when I was adopted. Two. At the age of seven I found out about my story, both my brother and I. My parents never hid the fact, and even encouraged us to seek out more about ourselves if wanted.
I chose to never know more of the two days before I was my parent's daughter. I had a mom. I had a dad. Two people that in the twenty seven years of my life have not once waivered their love me, their care for me, and the inexplicable bond I share with them as my parent's daughter.
I was theirs, I am theirs. They chose to love me, and although it is a strange thought to feel gratitude for the love of your own parents...I do, and it sometimes overwhelms me the life they have provided for both my brother and I. They are the two best people I know. There is no better. Both are my best friends, and have supported the both of us in anything and everything that's ever come along our way - ever. I know that must have been hard with me!
They now share the overflow of love in the lives of my babies. The roles shift in life and I now know the feeling of being a parent. The joys, the fears, the triumphs, the tears, and the true true happiness that a child brings. I have yet to find a greater experience personally, than to share the babies with my parents.
They love me, the same way I love my babies. The very same way. I say adoption is and isn't a big part of me, because my parents made it that way. It was never to make us feel different, nor to define us. It never did for me, and I rarely - if ever, think of where I came from. My life started with my parents. Didn't yours?
14 comments:
I love this post!! I never knew you were adopted, but I too, think your parents are pretty great!!
Good for you for being brave and talking about this.
I am also adopted, I was adopted when I was a month old. My parents too told me about it all when I was eight. They gave me a book about it and then explained it to me in their own way. We had a closed adoption so we didn't know much but if they ever learned new information they would always tell me about it. I also never felt "special' in the "I'm adopted and different" sort of way. And I never felt a void or a hole inside me like I have heard other adoptees say. I have my parents, why would I need another set? I have never wanted to find my birth parents but unfortunately about a month after turning 18 my birth mother found me. I didn't want it but I got it. It was an okay situation at first but things eventually got very messy and I don't speak with those people anymore.
No one will ever love me like my parents do. As far as I'm concerned, I wasn't adopted. I was just hanging out in a nursery until my parents found out about me. I feel the same love for my parents that you do for yours. We are some of the very few lucky ones that got an amazing second chance at life.
Thank you for this post.
I didn't know you were adopted! I'm adopted too... It has shaped who I am in so many ways... And it has given me such a clear visual of God's love for me!!
such a powerful post! I work as a pregnancy counselor at a Christian adoption agency so I am touched by adoption on a daily basis. Thanks for sharing =) Your kiddos are ADORABLE!!
This is so beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing. It is very special.
This is the sweetest post! What an amazing thing it is to adopt a child! Really touching post girl!
Beautiful!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
This is such a gorgeous tribute Natalie. Love following you and your sweet family. How blessed you are!
I came upon your blog today and when I read it I had to comment. My sister adopted a baby boy in May when he was 2 days old. He has been such a blessing to my family and I never think of him as "being adopted" he is ours...it's like my sister gave birth to him...you wouldn't know any difference. I hope that when Paxton gets older he see's it in the same light you do. Thanks for your post!
Ahhh Nat, this post made me cry! I just love you and your parents! Such a special family:)
Hi Natalie,
I found your blog through one of my girlfriends' blogs and I have enjoyed reading about you and your precious little ones. I wanted to let you know your chicken enchiladas were a big hit for me too - boyfriend ate like I have never seen him eat before (and that's a feat!) Thanks for the recipe!
Halee
haleesays.blogspot.com
LOVE this post. Thanks for sharing. =)
Thank you so much for taking the time to detail what adoption means to you. We are currently in the process of adopting a child domestically...and this blog post was a gentle reminder that adoption is exactly what you make it. We are waiting on God's perfect timing for our little one. We can't wait to meet him/her. Thanks again for taking the time to share. God Bless! :)
This was such a touching post. <3
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