Most of our moms and dads always thought that someday they
would be grandparents. So, when we experienced fertility issues, it was their
dream, too, that was shattered.
Parents are fierce protectors of their children. Perhaps
your struggle to have children was the first time in their lives that they
couldn’t fix what was wrong. They most likely worried about your physical and
emotional wellbeing. They probably felt a sadness about never being
grandparents.
When you shared your plans to adopt, they raised concerns
and questions. They were frightened. They wanted the best for you. They wanted
to protect you. Their exposure to adoption was mostly through the news
media. But you reassured them and
proceeded.
The first day they held their grandchild in their arms,
their fears melted away. They saw the happiness in your eyes. They witnessed that
you had realized your dream to be a parent.
Now they are loving and doting grandparents. They anticipate
every visit and share photos and stories with their neighbors and friends. They
believe that adoption is the miracle that brought the smile back to your face.
That made your dream come true. That gave them grandparent status.
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.
