November is a month filled with pumpkin pie, late-night shopping sprees, cozy sweaters, and the delightful chaos of family gatherings. But it’s also National Adoption Month, a time that resonates deeply with me. With two of my children adopted and many family members who share similar stories, adoption has always been a natural part of my life.
As a proud adoptive parent, I frequently encounter a barrage of intrusive and sometimes downright bizarre questions about adoption. Most of the time, I respond with a smile and a polite deflection, like, “Oh look at the time, I’ve got to go check on my garden gnomes!” But I can’t help but fantasize about some of the comebacks I wish I could deliver. Here are a few:
- Can’t you have any children of your own? Well, actually, my uterus is MIA, and my fallopian tubes? Let’s just say they’re not exactly thriving. After battling endometriosis, I had to part with some crucial female anatomy. Want to dive deeper into that topic? I can make it a party!
- What happened to their real mom? Their “real” mom? You mean the one who woke me up at 5 AM demanding oatmeal and a new episode of their favorite show? That feels pretty real to me! But hey, how about you—are those your real nails?
- How much did they cost? They were absolutely free! Just like that fancy designer handbag you’re sporting—what was the price tag on that, if I may ask?
- Do you know Angelina Jolie? Oh for sure! We just had a playdate last week where we compared notes on our kids’ favorite snacks and debated the best yoga pants. Celebrities are just like us, right?
- Why did you adopt from another country instead of here? I adopted from my own species, if that counts! Speaking of global choices, how about those trendy shoes made in Indonesia? Just curious!
- Now that you’ve adopted, do you think you’ll get pregnant? Oh, joy! We’re still discussing my reproductive system, aren’t we? Let’s refer back to point one, shall we?
- Are you planning to tell them they’re adopted? Well, that depends on their detective skills. If they figure out that two Caucasians usually don’t produce Asian kids, we’ll have the big talk—maybe around their teenage years, when they’re busy with their angst and eye-rolling.
- You’re a saint for giving those poor children a good home. You bet I am! But alas, I must run—here come the kids with my wine!
These exchanges can be exhausting, but they also remind me of the joy and love that adoption brings into our lives. If you’re considering adoption or want to learn more about the process, check out this great resource on artificial insemination or visit this blog post for support and guidance. And don’t forget to explore Make a Mom’s kits for your home insemination journey!
In summary, while the questions about adoption can be intrusive and odd, they also provide an opportunity for humor and education. Embracing the journey of adoption has enriched my life, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.