Tuesday, January 30, 2018

You Love Them for Who They Are

N.B.: This post was originally written in November 2016 in response to repeated comments from one commenterl explicitly arguing that we shouldn't adopt, either implying or directly saying (I don't remember which, and I have no desire to revisit those comments) that I didn't have the temperament or ability to love an adopted child the way they should be loved. 

No adopted child can replace a biological child, either lost or imagined. A new baby doesn't replace a child who died. I'd go even further - no person can replace another. Even a husband cannot replace your first love. And to take it even further, I would argue that no creature, no being can replace another. Although they may fill similar spaces in my heart, Biscuit is not a replacement for Mara. Robin did not replace Quickstep. Each of them is a unique individual, deserving of love for who they are. 

Posey is not Cindy is not Mercy is not Epsy. Only 3 years separates these four girls, our assorted (more or less) nieces, but they are worlds apart in personality. Posey turned four this summer; she is energetic and exuberant and full of life and at least a little spoiled. She is used to being the center of attention and having the adults at her beck and call. She loves to swim and adores dinosaurs and Elsa with equal fervor. Cindy turned six this fall, and I often find myself wishing I could keep her. It's not that her parents don't love her, but neither one of them is as mature as one might hope. We gave her a Snow White Disney Animator's Doll for her birthday this year, which rendered her speechless. When she regained the power of speech I think the first thing she said was that Snow White was her favorite princess; her mother said that she didn't know that. I did because she had told me several times before. Cindy is quiet and sensitive and loves art. The chaos in her parents' lives has clearly affected her, which breaks my heart. Mercy is only about six months older than Cindy, but they are very nearly opposites. Mercy is far more bossy and opinionated, used to getting her own way. She loves to sing and dance and started cheerleading this year. Epsy is the oldest, turning 7 this weekend. She often seems more comfortable around adults than children and clearly enjoys having adults play with her. She has a hint of bossiness and has at times clashed with Mercy (both are clearly only children). Epsy loves the outdoors, plants, and bugs, as well as art. She has handled needing a brace and physical therapy for scoliosis with remarkable calm and aplomb. 

You have to see each child for who he/she is and love them for it. Sometimes I think that is one of the hardest challenges a parent must face, putting aside their own hopes and dreams for their child(ren) to simply see them and love them for who they are. 

11 comments:

  1. This reminds me of what I always say was the best parenting advice I was ever given. It was given as part of learning NFP and well before I ever thought I'd try to have children, let alone actually have any.

    "Who are you, little one?" - that instead of putting strict expectations on the child, spend time getting to know him, asking "Who are you, little one?" and growing the parent-child relationship together.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Each person is unique and unrepeatable there is no replacing another creature. I loved when I was working in parent education because we would encourage the parents to get to know their children. I loved getting to know each child in my classroom and allowing them to show their personalities. Have you ever thought about teaching? I think you'd be a great teacher :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. i want to tell all the women in the world with no child that there is hope for you all, because i was also a barren woman, i had no child for the past 8 years and i contacted my doctor and he told me that there is no way on earth that i can ever getting pregnant, because of my previous abortion i did for my ex husband, so i was confused and my husband was tired and told me that we should adopt a child, so i was so sad in such a way that i had to talk to a friend about adopting a child my friend told me to forget about adopting a child, with this she then introduced me to a spiritual leader whom i contacted and i explained everything to her and immediately she told me not to worry that all my problems will be solved, so i believed and did as she asked me, including applying her fertility medicine. After two week i went to the hospital for a total test and i found out that i was pregnant and today am now a mother, so if you are barren or childless kindly contact her on nativeiyabasira@yahoo.com and +441133201124

    ReplyDelete
  4. I was an awesome feeling when i found out that i am pregnant, i could not believe myself, after trying for years now, finally i have been able to be called a proud mother to my baby boy. my husband is glad too, by standing by me all the way with strong feeling we will achieve this together. i am giving this hint to couples who are struggling with infertility, your time as come as well, with the help of Dr Iya herbal remedy, which i myself use to get pregnant with few days of using it as directed by the doctor. you can also have a child to call your own. this is the doctor contact nativeiyabasira@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. We have entered the "age to come" foretold by Jesus in Mark 10:30, the Glorious Manifestation of Our King, Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ. (the Harmonious Gospel of Saint Mark, chapter 10, verse 30)

    --- http://risen-from-the-dead.forumotion.com/ ---

    This comment provided on the 250th day of the 2nd year of the General Resurrection of the Dead.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Catholic daily devotions, stories of saints and saints, a collection of prayers and the latest Catholic news. visit www.blogevan.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Are you searching for an affordable and best ivf hospital? then visit at www.healthdoc.in and find specialist doctors and hospitals near you.

    Top 10 IVF Hospital in Delhi
    Top 10 Infertility Specialist Doctor in Delhi
    Top 10 Gynaecology Doctor in Delhi

    ReplyDelete
  8. Our surrogacy package starts ranges from Rs 15,00,000 to Rs 20,00,000.
    Surrogacy Cost in India

    ReplyDelete