Adoption - Making a Difference in a Child's Life!
About 15 years ago I made the decision to become a foster parent—to make a difference in a child’s life. Was it what I expected? Well, not exactly! What I expected was a grateful kid, happy to be in a nice home away from the abuse and problems that brought him into care - the perfect kid. What I got, however, was an angry, not terribly appreciative child who was quite difficult to work with. Did he trust me? No! Did he listen to me? Not always. But with patience and the passing of time we were able to work through problems, develop a relationship and an appreciation for each other. And, that wasn’t all that bad.
In retrospect, I guess I made my share of parenting mistakes. But, I looked for the good in him, had a lot of patience and hung in there. Many years ago after the adoption finalized, I received a Birthday Day Card that said, “Dear Dad, I am at a loss for words so I picked a card that said how I feel. I want you to know that I will always be grateful for everything you have done for me- adoption aside. You are a very special person who was always there for me!
Happy Birthday, Love, your son, Mike.”
Over the years, I have seen my adopted son grow and develop into a loving, caring husband, great father and really kind person of whom I am very proud. Having an adopted son that I've grown to love, appreciate and greatly respect has allowed me to weather many of the subsequent storms that fostering difficult teens has provided me with. Now when things get really difficult I always think back to the time I almost gave up on Mike. I am indeed grateful that I hung in long enough to reap the rewards of adoption and share in his successes.
One of these, my grandson, age three is at least in my eyes the cutest, brightest kid in the entire state - I'm taking some of the credit! After all, my adopted son must have listened and picked up some of my values, right?
Yes, Mike did put me through the paces in the early years, but you have to pay your dues to get that "expected perfect kid”. And, isn’t that what parenting is all about?
Adoption - Making a Difference in a Child’s Life! Explore adoption & find out if adoption is right for you?
About the Author
Robert Schpok - Foster Parent, Adoptive Parent - adoption and parenting instructor
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