I have often heard
mothers who have given birth say that once their precious baby
is born and put into their arms, the pain of childbearing and
the discomfort of the past nine months seem to wither away as
they move forward with caring for their new little one. After a
few months it becomes a hazy memory as they look into the eyes
of the child they have created. In much the same way, adopting
seems to have the same effect as well.
The pain and
discomfort are certainly not physical. Lamaze classes and
doctor’s appointments are substituted for psychological
evaluations and the collecting of paperwork, background checks,
and social worker visits. A trip to labor and delivery room is
replaced with a trip to another country. And, instead of
hospital ID bracelets, your passport is glued to your side at
all times. However, every emotion of pregnancy is there. Instead
of hearing the baby’s heartbeat for the first time, your own
heart flutters as you receive the letter stating your paperwork
is approved. The million trips to the bathroom are replaced with
a million trips to the post office, notary public, and bank.
But once that
little one (or older one) is with you, the world that was once
filled with paperwork and waiting dissolves away as every ounce
of your being focuses on the new person in your life.
I have been
honored and blessed to be able to be a part of an adoption
journey. People are sincerely interested and curious about how
we were united with our Daniel. Had I given birth in the
traditional sense, I would not have the opportunities to talk to
so many people about adoption nor would I have been able to see
so many friends and family provide us with the kind of love and
support I never knew possible.
Yes, a part of me
will always long to experience the blessings of childbirth. But
through adoption, I have had the opportunity to experience
creating my family in a truly unique fashion and I thank God
every day. All the difficulties, challenges, and discomforts
associated with adoption and the long waiting process were
certainly worth it. Those memories continue to be replaced with
joyous moments, as I am sure all mothers can attest to...no
matter if they traveled the road of pregnancy or the road of
adoption in order to get there.
“I guess the point truly is no matter how our families have
come to be, there is always a struggle, hurdles to get over,
the unexpected, the down right scary, and the anticipation
of what is to come,” says Lisa. Experiencing life with
Daniel from the moment of his referral photo to today as a
two-year-old has made it all worthwhile.
Lisa Rost, CT
The Rost Family: Bruce, Lisa and Daniel
Home from
Colombia November 9, 2005
Love
Love
around the World
