"There are many people adopted just like you and we will help you meet them."
Someone asked me, "Why?" After telling me that the reunion looked like fun, they asked me why I bothered meeting other families since Kelsey and Rachel don't remember China. I explained... but now I found a quote that says it all.
Not all of the quote applies to the girls. These little girls do share a bond and a past. It is absolutely amazing that these little girls started life together in China, and caused a group of families in the US to come together and form friendships.
Someday they will have to deal with obstacles having to do with their adoptions. People will question their identity and circumstances surrounding their birth. Yes, I know people shouldn't ask the girls these questions. But let's face it, they do. Things are said in front of our young children now. Someday they will understand the things people say. The basic support and friendships formed by families today will help our children in the future. So... that is why, I help our daughters meet people with families similar to theirs.
The One Thing I Wanted to Hear
The one thing I wanted to hear as an adopted child in an all white family during a troubled time of defining who I was and where I belonged was,
"You are different. You come from a different country, rich with heritage and the spirits of your ancestors. You carry that within your soul, and in your appearance. You were an orphan. It is tragic to lose your mother, father - the brothers, sisters you may have. You carry a sorrow of war and separation like those in your country of birth. You need time to grieve.
You were adopted by us. The world is a wide and varied place. You now live with us and we love each other, love having no boundaries. Others may never learn this, or understand it. It is a gift to treasure if one is lucky enough to know this. A gift to all of us.
Because we love, the hardest road is over. You have our support to explore your heritage and share in ours. It is also yours. You have our support to one day search for your biological family. We are also your family. We don't expect you to be like us. We want you to be yourself, but you are never by yourself.
There are many people adopted just like you and we will help you meet them."
--- Indigo Williams
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