I became a mother through adoption in 1987 and
again in 1991. I have loved that role every day since, even though there have certainly
been bumps in the road from time to time.
- I am a woman who craved and struggled more than
others to achieve motherhood.
- I love my kids ferociously and would do anything
I could to help them.
- I want them to know they are unconditionally
loved.
- I have soothed hurt feelings and boo boos.
- I have healed medical illnesses and broken
hearts.
- I have introduced them to a world of wonder and
helped them make sense of inequality.
- I have explained the reasons why they were adopted
and stood beside them as they searched for more answers.
- I have answered questions from extended family,
my daughters’ peers and their parents as well as nosy outsiders.
- I have advocated for them in schools and camps.
- I have explained far too many times that we
don’t have a full medical history.
- I have supported my daughter to use a DNA test
to get her full ethnic background when she had more questions.
- I have cooked their favorite meals and
introduced them to new cuisines.
- I have raised far too many pets they
promised to care for.
When I’ve asked my friends, who are parents by
birth, if they felt differently – they say no. However, they do admit, they
have not had to deal with questions about unknown family histories. They know the
answer. I don’t. They have full medical background information. I don’t. Their
kids look like their family members. Mine don’t.
What we do have is that we are family, love fiercely and I am a mom!
What we do have is that we are family, love fiercely and I am a mom!
Kathy Ann Brodsky, LCSW is a New York and New Jersey licensed social worker, adoptive mom and advocate for ethical adoption practice. Through her private practice and agency affiliations, she has prepared thousands of adoption homestudies, counseled expectant, birth, pre/post adoptive parents and adopted persons, as well as trained professionals to work with adoptive families. She was Director of the Ametz Adoption Program of JCCA and a member of the Advisory Board for POV’s Adoption Series and the Adoption Advisory Board of Path2Parenthood, She is currently a Adoption Professional Advisory Council of HelpUSAdopt , a member of the Advisory Board of the Family Equality Council and active in the Adoptive Parents Committee in New York. Her blogs and written contributions can be seen throughout the Internet, including her BLOG and as Head Writer for ADOPTION.NET She was named an “Angel in Adoption” by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption in 2001. You can reach her directly
