I have often heard mothers who have given birth say that once their precious baby is born and put into their arms, the pain of childbearing and the discomfort of the past nine months seem to wither away as they move forward with caring for their new little one. After a few months it becomes a hazy memory as they look into the eyes of the child they have created. In much the same way, adopting seems to have the same effect as well.The pain and discomfort are certainly not physical. Lamaze classes and doctor’s appointments are substituted for psychological evaluations and the collecting of paperwork, background checks, and social worker visits. A trip to labor and delivery room is replaced with a trip to another country. And, instead of hospital ID bracelets, your passport is glued to your side at all times. However, every emotion of pregnancy is there. Instead of hearing the baby’s heartbeat for the first time, your own heart flutters as you receive the letter stating your paperwork is approved. The million trips to the bathroom are replaced with a million trips to the post office, notary public, and bank.
But once that little one (or older one) is with you, the world that was once filled with paperwork and waiting dissolves away as every ounce of your being focuses on the new person in your life.
I have been honored and blessed to be able to be a part of an adoption journey. People are sincerely interested and curious about how we were united with our Daniel. Had I given birth in the traditional sense, I would not have the opportunities to talk to so many people about adoption nor would I have been able to see so many friends and family provide us with the kind of love and support I never knew possible.
Yes, a part of me will always long to experience the blessings of childbirth. But through adoption, I have had the opportunity to experience creating my family in a truly unique fashion and I thank God every day. All the difficulties, challenges, and discomforts associated with adoption and the long waiting process were certainly worth it. Those memories continue to be replaced with joyous moments, as I am sure all mothers can attest to...no matter if they traveled the road of pregnancy or the road of adoption in order to get there.“I guess the point truly is no matter how our families have come to be, there is always a struggle, hurdles to get over, the unexpected, the down right scary, and the anticipation of what is to come,” says Lisa. Experiencing life with Daniel from the moment of his referral photo to today as a two-year-old has made it all worthwhile.
--Lisa Rost, CT
The Rost Family: Bruce, Lisa and Daniel
Home from Colombia November 9, 2005
