Tell us about your Adoption Story

I was adopted through Infant of Prague in 1988. It was an open adoption and I know my birth family. I have an older brother who was also adopted through Infant of Prague three years before me. His was also an open adoption. I don't remember a time when I didn't know I was adopted and didn't know my birth family. Growing up, that was something we always knew. My birth family has always been a part of my life. My birth parents are both married and have kids. Between them I have four half-brothers and three half-sisters.

What is the best aspect of being adopted?

 To me, the best aspect of being adopted is my family. We are one big family. My birth families live on the East Coast. I was born and raised on the West Coast. Despite the distance, we try to see each other at least once a year. It doesn't matter where or when the visits are, we enjoy the time and make it work. My birth families have joined some of our family trips, and we've joined some of theirs. I spend time with my birth mother's family, time with my birth father's family, and time with both families together. My birth mother's family attended my birth father's sister's wedding. My birth father's mother sends cards to my birth mother's family for birthdays and holidays. Sometimes people look at our situation and wonder how it works. The answer is it just does. We embrace it, we welcome it, and we choose to be a part of it.

What is the most challenging aspect of being adopted?

 The most challenging aspect of being adopted is educating people on the adoption process. I don't share my adoption story with everyone. Not because I don't want to, but rather because not everyone understands. It's something I enjoy sharing with the right people who I believe want to hear about it and want me to share with them. There are times when I share stories of adoption and the reactions or comments aren't what I expect. I don't think they're said with negative intentions, but rather by lack of information or understanding as to what adoption really means.

What would you say to a prospective adoptive parent about being adopted?

First, I'd say, "thank you." Choosing to be an adoptive parent is a selfless decision. You're choosing to be a part of something that can be great. If open adoption is a possibility, embrace it. Know you will always be that child's mom or that child's dad and having open communication with birth families doesn't change or limit that.

Any other thoughts or comments about adoption?

Adoption is a gift. It's something that affects a lot of people and every person's story is unique in its own way. I'm thankful for organizations like Infant of Prague that provide support and encouragement for all families of adoption.