As adoptive parents, National Adoption Month is a time to celebrate the beauty of adoption, while recognizing that it’s a lifelong journey. Adoption doesn’t end when a child comes home; it continues through every stage of life, bringing with it questions, struggles, and moments of deep connection.
Children who were adopted may seek answers about their past and connections to their heritage, and as parents, we don’t always have them. This uncertainty can be difficult, but it’s part of the journey. Having a strong support system, like Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois, was invaluable to us. You need someone to provide guidance and a safe space to ask questions before, during, and long after the adoption process.
We also need to remember that adoption begins with birth parents making a difficult and selfless decision. So we want to encourage our community to please treat everyone connected with the adoption process with respect. Don’t make assumptions or offer unsolicited advice. Some adoptive children might be eager to explore their past, while others may feel content in the present. Some families may face more visible struggles, while others quietly work through challenges behind closed doors.
No two adoption stories are the same, and every family’s experience is unique. What’s important is that we commit to honoring that diversity and treating every family with the care and compassion they deserve.
Tiffany and Jenna DeRiggi-Werdell
Adoptive Parents
