All Things Kelly

One year ago today, I took this photo of my very distraught husband as we waited and waited and waited for our darling Eloise.

I am ecstatic to see all the Haitian children in the adoption process being expedited to reach their new homes sooner than expected. I can only imagine the trauma of surviving the earthquake and devastation then moving thousands miles away to a new place, with a new family and so many differences.

25,000 kids will ‘age out’ of foster care this year. Can you imagine being 18 and completely on your own? No support system, no family to help you, no one to give you encouragement, help you find a job, balance a checkbook, or save for an education?  wow. I can’t.

Of the 500,000 kids in foster care 129,000 are adoption eligible. Two thirds are over 6 years old.  So maybe babies aren’t for you. What about kids, tweens, or teens?  Recently a couple of our friends (who shall go nameless as I didn’t ask their permission) began caring for their teenage niece. What I found so amazing is how seamlessly they became parents.  Now look, these two are so organized it would make your head spin, but my point is I know they love it, and they are amazing at it, and what if they hadn’t taken that leap of faith?  Maybe you or someone you know has too much free time, not enough chaos in their life and might want more info on adopting a child that needs love and support.

I read this article last week on CNN and was really impressed with what this couple did for themselves and this young man.  You can learn more about adoption of older kids at Amersand Families.

Leon and I eagerly jumped through all the hoops necessary to be eligible for adoption and were quickly matched with Eloise’s birth mother.  From our very first phone call, I knew in my heart this was my child.  The anxiety, excitement, and fear mounted over the next couple of months.  Many of you recall this pathetic photo of Leon sitting on the edge of the bed at Marc and Lisa’s as we waited, and waited, and waited. 

I am a strong believer in Serendipity and the Universe giving you things you don’t know you yet need.  While my dad was hospitalized during the summer of 2005 I was well looked after by our Zionsville neighbors, particularly the Richardsons.  On more than one occasion I enjoyed brownies or ice cream or just the comfort of knowing I wasn’t “home alone.”  One afternoon Deb asked if Leon and I were going to parent. 

Since I was old enough to understand that my dad and his sister were adopted I knew I would adopt. To me, even at such a young age, it seemed very clear.  I remember learning what adoption meant, and how it somehow meant I wasn’t “blood” related to my grandparents or my aunt and cousins.   Who cares, what do I need their blood for? How weird??

I would be remiss if I didn’t share with you that this month is National Adoption Month, and this year’s theme is “You don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent”  THANK GOD! Isn’t that what makes parenting awesome?  Just winging it?  Sure the books and friends help but there is a point with every decision that Leon and I look at each other and decide to follow our instincts.