I think it’s a beautiful coincidence that National Adoption Month is during November, traditionally a month set aside to focus on the many things we have to be thankful for. Of course, the word “eucharist” means thanksgiving and we have so much to be thankful for each and every day, not just in the month of November. Being thankful truly is so central to our faith. I’m always grateful for the opportunity to write about adoption and the impact it’s had on my life.
I really can’t start to write about being thankful for adoption without immediately thinking of my children’s birthmothers (or first mothers, as some prefer). Five, unique and different women, living in different countries, different situations, yet all faced with a similar “problem”. Five women who made the courageous choice to say yes to life and forever have part of their heart beating in another person, another person that they don’t have the opportunity to interact with on a regular basis.
I don’t know the circumstances of how many of our children were conceived. It’s possible that it wasn’t under the most pleasant of circumstances. I’m so thankful that these women selflessly put that aside to make a choice for life. To give these precious children a chance to grow up in a stable, loving family, instead of stopping their tiny hearts from beating.
I’m thankful for the individuals who cared for our children until we were able to be united with them. The hospital workers, the orphanage staff, foster families. I’m thankful for all of the staff that worked behind the scenes to make our adoption a reality. Our social workers, adoption agency directors and staff, and yes even the not always so pleasant government workers. All of the myriad of people who came together so these particular six children could grow up in this particular home. How can anyone doubt that God has his hand on every piece of paperwork? his ear on every phone call? adoption isn’t something a mere mortal could orchestrate.
I’m thankful for a husband and extended family that have said yes to adoption. Friends, that have welcomed our children without missing a beat.
Most of all I’m thankful for a loving God who has given us the opportunity and the honor of raising these children. Thankful that He has entrusted us with the awesome responsibility to love and cherish these six unique individuals.
Jen is a wife to one amazing husband and mom to six energetic kids. Visit Forever, For Always, No Matter What where she blogs about their Catholic faith, homeschooling and adoption. Visit her blog this month where she blogs all about adoption to raise awareness for National Adoption Month.
The Apostolate of Hannah's Tears 
Beautiful post, Jen!
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Thanks Patty!
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Thanks for posting this Jen, yesterday was my birthday so this was quite a gift to my heart!God bless.Therese
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Beautiful!
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