Happy Adoption Day!

Photo by Kim Graves at Camp KYSOC Reunion

Included in November’s claims is National Adoption Month. We didn’t know that 14 years ago when we set out through a blizzard to seal our four-year-old son’s new name and status. That day the judge claimed he was ours. But, ya know, he belonged long before that.

When we told folks we were praying about adopting a little boy with challenges, some said we were nuts (likely so). Others warned we didn’t know what we were getting into (true). A few bluntly asked “why”~to which we answered “temporary insanity.” Still a handful said this child couldn’t have found more suitable parents. (Oh, you encouraging yet disillusioned folks!)

Truth be told, Min’s foster mother’s prayer of hope and determination played and important role in his coming to America. At each meal and bedtime she prayed Min would find his family. You see, foster care in Min’s native land ends at age 3. If not adopted by then, children are placed in orphanages. Min’s foster mom begged the system to let her keep him a bit longer, believing there was a family for him. During this same time, we had learned about Min and began the process of adopting. East met west, and the rest is history.

I’d tell you raising Min is sheer joy, but not all days are such. Some days are downright hard. Some days I cry. And there are days I wonder what we’ve gotten ourselves into and if we'll survive. But we’ve never said we shouldn’t have done this.

Min was a 24/7 challenge when he arrived. Later we learned he came with more than we “bargained for.” But no child, whether from the womb or flown across an ocean, comes with guarantees. Each child is a gift, differently wrapped with contents unique to that one. And our son is special beyond belief. To know Min is to love him.

So on this day, Min, we say happy adoption day, and we love you!

Always,

Dad and Mom