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How many children do you have and how many were adopted?
We have five children, two of our children were adopted.
Why did you choose to adopt?
We didn't think we would be able to have any children of our own. We adopted our first two children, then my wife got pregnant. At one point, we had three children under the age of three.
How did you feel when your first child was born?
I had a hard time going to work in the morning after our first child was born. I was so worried something would happen to my daughter while I was gone. My wife would call me about the events of the day. If something happened, like our daughter fell off the bed, I wanted to rush home to hold her.
What was the response from your family and friends after you adopted?
We had a very positive response from our family and friends. We had some very close friends that adopted two boys after we adopted. My parents, in an unusual gesture of support (considering their finances), gave us money the first Christmas after we adopted our first child.
Have you ever met your children's birth parents?
Yes, we had the opportunity to meet one of the birth families when our child was about 27 years old. We were able to get in contact with them through Catholic Charities. It started with letters from a birth mother, then a face-to-face meeting, and, eventually, contact with a birth father and half siblings. After this reunion, my adult child said to me, "Dad, I want you to know that you will always be my Dad."
Does your relationship with your adopted children differ from your biological children?
I have two adopted children, but I don't remember which two.
What is the relationship like between all your children?
We have normal family relationships. Sibling rivalry was an equal opportunity event in our family.
I understand adoption has also been a part of your adult children's lives. Tell us about those stories.
One of our children placed a baby in an adopted family's home 16 years ago. We didn't know about this grandson until he was seven years old. Because the adoption was an open adoption, we've had the opportunity to develop a relationship with him. I have the pleasure of regular visits with him. He is a fine young man, and we are very proud of him.
One of our daughters adopted a boy who is now five years old.
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