Adoption Another Word for Love

Yesterday, March 21st marked fifteen years that I have been legally adopted by my Aunt Donna and Uncle Lou. They have and always will be my Mom and Dad though because they are the ones that have raised me since I was two years old. It's funny because I'm actually blood related to my Dad, but my Mom and I are the ones that have very similar features. People always comment on how much we look alike, too. Nurture vs. nature I suppose. I'm beyond blessed to have them as my parents because they demonstrated the meaning of unconditional love for me and have taught me right from wrong. They always fought for me; family court is a series of battles and very often there isn’t a happy ending. Thankfully, for myself there was a happy ending and I am who I am today because of their teaching and upbringing. The adoption may have taken ten years to be complete but the love they had for me was there from the moment I entered their lives.

My biological parents weren't/aren't bad people however they struggled with alcohol, drug addiction, mental illness and were not fit to raise a baby. When I was born Child Protective Services placed me with foster parents for the first year of my life. I don't remember them but to this day I'm thankful they were able to care for me.

Before I was legally adopted my biological parents had visiting rights with me under supervision of Catholic Charities and my Grandma. I didn't look forward to these visits but as I reflect back on that time...going through with those visits made me a stronger person. I was forced to come out of my comfort zone and learn how to make the best out of a situation. I never knew what to expect really because my biological Mom could be unpredictable depending on her mood and if she was taking her meds. My biological Dad was in and out of rehab and when he was in rehab he would always write me letters. At the time I wasn't sure what he was struggling with because I was just a child but I did know he loved me and wanted the best for me. Before he got involved in drugs he was very intelligent and had many talents, I’m sure, this is the main reason I have stayed away from drugs. Unfortunately, with all of the battles my birth father struggled with his life was tragically cut short. On April 24th, 2001 he was hit by a drunk driver and died instantly. I knew it then and I know it now that he is at peace and is in a better place.

I believe that every experience that God gives us, good or bad and every person He places in our lives is a preparation for a future only He can see. It is up to us to make the best use of our experiences with God’s guidance.