Friday, February 18, 2011

Officially Adoptive Parents, Pre-Adoption

Last night we went to an open informational meeting to learn about the types of adoption and how the process (and our agency) works... Wowww. Have you ever wanted something so deeply that you are afraid to hope, afraid to jinx it?

It was easy to research preparing for action without acting, because there was always some excuse or another. The cost of adoption is daunting and parenting is such a huge commitment that it requires a certain level of readiness. Brian and I have two sons who are finally at an age to be a little self-reliant; we're fully aware in a way that first-time parents may not be. We've spent years on the fence, as so many couples do, because it is SCARY to hope in adoption.

Understand, whether first-timers or old hands, every parent brings his or her unique experiences and viewpoint to the table. It is the old "apples and oranges" idea: both are great fruit :)

One of the reasons that this meeting was important was that it was an action. Action defeats doubt and fear every time, because the worst fears and doubts are the unformed, hazy ones. Many potential adoptive parents have already lost the option of conception after months and years of hope followed by disappointment. They are used to preparing for the worst. "What if our application is rejected? What if we are too fat or ugly to be chosen by a birth mother?"

If you take the action to get a clear idea of what is ahead, the fears and doubts either are unfounded or become potential problems waiting for solutions. A solution can be accomplished. The fear is diffused.

Today we are looking up fundraising ideas!! It is going to be a LOT of work, but if we just stay the course... we could have a baby within a couple of years...

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