Foreign adoptions are going high-profile with the Jolie-Pitt family and also with Madonna's family; but what about domestic adoptions?
Blurry eyed and sick, I stumbled out of bed this morning at 5 a.m. after being awake since 3 a.m. Two of my sons were at work, but the house was bathed in darkness and was still and quiet – quite unusual for my household! Wanting to maintain the ambience, I tiptoed around the kitchen making myself a cup of tea and, of course, turned on the T.V. Discovery Channel’s An Adoption Story had just begun.
I was immediately taken by the topic. I’ve always wanted to adopt. After giving birth to 8 children, having the privilege of raising 6 to adult hood, I would still like to add to my family. Alas, my husband thinks our hands are full enough! Over the years I have looked at both foreign and domestic adoptions – not for infants, but for older children, perhaps even a family group, that are so difficult to place.
In the quiet hours of morning, I revisited those dreams that have never died. This particular story was about a couple from Wisconsin, who had tried everything – including domestic adoption – before adopting in Siberia. Because they were originally looking for an infant, their domestic adoption plans were not realized.
My mind wrapped around their heartwarming story and brought me full circle to another bunch of high-profile adoptions; namely, those of Angelina Jolie and Madonna. I am very happy for these children – it is apparent they will gain a life not even imaginable in the orphanages they came from. However, I am at a loss about something: why has no star or politician championed the benefits of domestic adoptions?
Are the untold numbers of children in our foster care system not glamorous enough?
Anyone who has ever lived on a budget can tell you that before you donate to a charity, you have to make sure your own children have their needs met first. If we use similar reasoning when contemplating adoption, domestic adoption should be a priority in this country!
I’m not saying not to adopt overseas, the stories and pictures of those little ones literally break my heart, and I would take each and every one of them home with me if only given a chance. Take a look closer to home though, if you are considering adoption. The stories, living conditions the children have come from and the need for family echoes a familiar refrain whether in Siberia or Texas.
How do you feel about the subject of foreign vs. domestic adoptions? Even though, ultimately, it is the choice of the individual, I would like to see all domestic possibilites researched prior to adopting outside the U.S.
I’d like to have you join our discussion and vote in the poll!
