Adopted: Through the Eyes of an Adoptee

Even though I have worked in child protective services I cannot imagine what it must be like to be in foster care. Even though I am an adoptive parent, I cannot even begin to understand what it must be like to be an adoptee. Only children who have experienced life in foster care or life as an adoptee can explain what it means for them. Each child’s experiences and feelings are different. For some, the outcome has not been good. For others, the outcome is the best of what had been a bad situation. Either way their situation is unique.

I have asked my twins to help me understand, from their viewpoint, how it feels to be adopted. We have had many discussions over the past 5 years about this topic, and even though they are twins their viewpoints have been different. Their feelings have varied along this journey, but this past Mother’s Day my daughter wrote me a poem to share how she was feeling.

How do I feel about being adopted?

My puzzled life changed into a loving, marvelous life.

I feel a new and loving family is going

to grab me and hold me tight

for the rest of my life

like a toddler being scared of a thunderstorm

while the mother is holding and comforting her.

It’s a curious life I have.

I feel that I am going to enjoy life

with my new family.

But sooner or later,

my mother leader will teach me which road to take –

the best one to take

if I do something wrong.

Being adopted is a wonderful gift.

Before my life changed, I was in a dark hole.

I am thankful that I am adopted.

© Copyright 2012 by Yolanda Tanner