Just One Child

I was talking with another adoptive mother the other day, and she mentioned an idea that really struck me. What if every family in the United States adopted just one child? What an idea! What a dent we could put in the number of orphans there are in the world! And it would be so simple!

Now I know that not every family in the U.S. is able to adopt a child, for various reasons, but I believe there are WAY more that could but do not. For many, the thought has never even occurred to them. For some, they've thought about it, but don't think it's for them. Others think it's too expensive. Or they think it will be more trouble than having a child by birth. Some have fertility issues, but are determined to find a way to have their "own" biological child. And some of those people, after exhausting all attempts at having children, still don't consider adoption. There are so many reasons and excuses for not adopting. And I do know it's not an ideal situation for everyone. But I just wish more people would be open to the idea of it, just entertain it in their thoughts for a while. Read about it, find others who've adopted and see what it's been like for them.

Millions of children around the world will never know what it's like to call someone "Mommy" or "Daddy." They'll never experience the comfort of a kiss or a hug from a parent. They'll never sit at the table at dinner time, discussing the days events. They'll miss out on having someone cheer them on at a tee ball game or clap for them at a dance recital. Or just simply knowing their parents are right there in the next room if they need them for anything. These are simple, everyday things that children born to a forever family take for granted. And we as parents (or future parents) take these things for granted too. It's too easy to forget that not all children are as blessed as ours. So we take the easy way out and continue to forget. This should not be so.

I'm not trying to guilt-trip anyone, or act like I'm better than anyone else because I'm adopting a child. It's not like that at all. It's just that I'm so much more aware of the plight of orphans now that I'm in the adoption process, and I've made it my life's mission to raise awareness of adoption , so that maybe I can reach families who never thought of it as an option for them.

Please spread the word in any way you can. Use my story if you want as a conversation starter. And pray, pray, pray for more people to think of these children and how one of them could be their own. A child is a child, whether they were born in the United States, China, Russia, or any other country. And children bring so much joy to us, no matter how they come to us. Just imagine, if every family that could adopt would adopt just one child. Give just one child support, just one child a home, just one child parents and a family. A family that they could call their own forever. I can't think of many better things that could be done in this world.