When people find out we have two open adoptions, we usually get a lot of questions about it. It might not be normal to you, but for us it is. Often people inquire if we’re ever scared about them (their birth parents) taking their kids back. We’re not. And since the adoptions were legal and ethical, it’s a total non-issue. I can understand why some might find open adoption to be a little intimidating at first, but for us it’s been a big blessing.
When my husband and I moved here, we had no family around. All of our family is out of state and about a 6 hour drive away (or farther). I was lucky enough to grow up just miles from my grandparents. I liked that they could come and see me dance or that we could eat pancakes together every Sunday. After adopting our kids, I was sad that they wouldn’t have grandparents around in their everyday lives. Even though I know our parents would LOVE to see Matt & Kara more often, it’s just not doable at this time.
Now that Matt is getting older and doing more activities, he wants family around to cheer him on. Because of open adoption, we’re able to do that. Matt’s been playing baseball and last weekend his birth dad and grandparents (Ouma & Oupa) were able to be there. They came to the game and they cheered Matt on. Afterwards, we all went out to eat together. In that moment, Matt got to experience a little bit of what it’s like to have family nearby.
For us, open adoption isn’t scary or intimidating… it’s just having a bigger family & more people to love my sweet kids!