Say it loud, say it proud: ADOPTED

I was at a recent family event. One of the women there, like another mom to me, did something really great and something really awkward.

First, awesomeness: At the party there were many people there I didn’t know. As she introduced me to a couple, she pointed to Simeon and D and with only the slightest hesitation said “…and these are her two munchkins!” It was perfect. She didn’t label them foster children. She didn’t do the awkward pause before italicizing the word kids. She just said my munchkins. And they are. The couple doesn’t need to know their story or mine. They doted on the kids and moved on. Later, as it came up naturally in conversation, I was able to reveal our fosterness with my own discretion and respect to my children.

Second, not awesomeness: Catching up a family friend a little more enlightened about family events, she put her hand on Simeon’s head (in case she needed to clarify the only kid at the party?) and said “He’ll be [lean in and loudly whisper] adopted in October…” I interrupted. Loudly saying “Oh yes, he’ll be adopted. We can’t wait to adopt him. We love adoption. We are proud of our adoption. And we like to talk about adoption, don’t we Simeon?” His response: “Yeah! and my name will be [first, middle, new middle, new last]!”

Adoption is a treasure! It’s a special thing and we want him to have the freedom to own it if he wants.

ADOPTION IN 14 DAYS!!!!!!