My dad was the
most amazing man. He was my parent, friend, confidant, teacher and protector.
There was nothing he wouldn't do for me. He taught me about life and (along
with my mom) about unconditional love. Whether just doing household chores,
caring for the many pets who passed through our home or sitting quietly
together, he was there for me.
My challenges and joys were shared and felt deeply be a man
not ashamed to show his emotions. Whose strength got me through some hard
times. Whose constant presence made me never feel alone. The lessons he taught
me about working hard, following my dreams and being a kind and caring person
will never be forgotten. There were lots of hugs and kisses in our home.
He was there for the adoption of his granddaughters and loved
them as deeply as anyone could. He was a proud and devoted grandfather. My
girls were lucky to know him. There was never a moment when he was their
"adoptive grandfather". He was just "Grampa".
My daughters also have a great dad, who took them sledding,
bike riding, to the park and the Thanksgiving Parade, as I stayed home and
cooked. He spent time reading to them, watching their favorite TV shows and
sharing his vast knowledge of world events and history.
On Father's Day, I think of the many children who have
influential men in their lives. Whether fathers, grandfathers, uncles,
brothers, cousins, teachers, role models or community members, they all help
raise them to be members of our society.
It is not uncommon for a child to imagine where their birth
family is and what they are doing or wonder if they ever think of them. With
Father's Day being celebrated and talked about - Do not be afraid to ask your
child if they are thinking about their birth father (or other birth family
members). Use this time of year to catch up on what your child knows, imagines
and would like to know. Perhaps, you have more information to share, need to
try and reach out to obtain more details or you may discover your child is not
seeking information at this time.
Kathy Ann Brodsky, LCSW is a New York and New Jersey licensed social worker, adoptive mom and advocate for ethical adoption practice. She has prepared thousands of adoption homestudies, counseled adoptive parents and parents-to-be, and has trained professionals to work with adoptive families. She was Director of the Ametz Adoption Program of JCCA from March 1992 to March 2015, was Head Writer for Adoption.net, a member of the Advisory Board for POV’s Adoption Series She is currectly a member of the Adoption Advisory Board of Path2Parenthood and active in the Adoptive Parents Committee in New York, where she has a private practice specializing in adoption and adoptive parenting. She was named an “Angel in Adoption” by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption in 2001. Follow or reach her at ADOPTION MAVEN BLOG or EMAIL.
