What being adopted means to me, by Kaylee (age 14)

Do you ever wonder what it’s like to be adopted?  What your child is thinking about when it comes to adoption?  Well, I can tell you all about that because I was adopted at birth.  When I say that I was adopted, some people ask if my birth mother wanted me.  Of course she did, but she was going through a time when she couldn’t take care of a child.  It was a tough decision, but she only wanted the best for me.  I am very happy with my life, and I don’t feel like I should hide my adoption.  It’s just part of who I am and part of who I will become.

I have a better life

Yes, being adopted is different, but my life would be completely different if I weren’t adopted.  My birth mother wanted me to have a life better than what she could give me.  I see an open adoption as having 2 loving families. My life is pretty normal – I get good grades, enjoy school, have lots of friends, and have 4 sisters. As a family, we embraced adoption, and my  adoptive mom didn’t hide the fact that I was adopted.

My younger sister Gabby has an open adoption as well.  Since I was adopted from Yuba City, CA and her from Alabama, I see my birth family a lot more than she does because we live in California.  When I tell my friends I am adopted, they shower me with questions.  Some more intelligent than others!  I am happy to educate people who don’t know a lot about it.  A question I hear frequently is “why did your real mother give you away?”  Okay, first of all, I was not given away; this is not a thrift shop or a bargain market.  Second, my biological and adoptive moms are both my real moms, and they both love me.  My birth father terminated his rights, or just left, before I was born.  I don’t really care though – I still have 3 loving parents and 4 sisters.

Adoption can form strong bonds

I met my friend Zoe at an adoption picnic. I don’t remember it very well, but I know that’s when our friendship started.  We are still friends to this day.  Just like a band class or club, adoption get-togethers can form strong friendship bonds.  Some birth moms find it really difficult to let go.  But some don’t end up letting go even though it’s best.  I have so much to learn and have so much of my life left: high school, college, finding a job, raising a family, and so on – I love my family for guiding me through life and helping me when I need it.

“You’re always there for me and the best anyone can have,” I often think to myself.  I love all the choices that everyone has made that have gotten me to where I am today.  My family says, “We are so proud of you, for what you have accomplished!  You are creative, artistic, and smart and have a great heart!”  Well, I hope they know I wouldn’t be who I am today without them.