"You're Doing Whaaa--?"
Last week I told my headmaster that we were adopting two children from Africa. I quickly assured her that, even though I was adding to my family, I still loved my job and wanted to keep it! From that point, the news spread like wildfire on my campus. I told as many teachers as I could, hoping they would hear from me and not from the watercooler gossip. I noticed something interesting about their responses. They fell into one of two camps. First were the folks who were obviously excited for me and wanted to know all the details: "how did you hear about them?" "what are their names?" "when will you get them?" and the ever-popular "how much does it cost?" Then there's the other camp. I call this the "Cricket Camp" because when I sat down with a bunch of teachers at lunch and told them I was adopting two kids from Africa, all I could hear were crickets. Their faces must have instantly filled with Botox, because not one muscle moved. I could actually read the Thought Bubble over their heads: I-can't-act-as-shocked-as-I-feel-but-that's-the-craziest-thing-I've-ever-heard! Then a fake smile came over each face and they nodded their heads saying, "That's great." Then they quickly changed the subject! "How about those Patriots!"
I even had one teacher seem extremely happy for me, gushing as she backed out of my room and at the door, she stopped and said to me, "THANK YOU." Thank you? That's an odd response, don't you think? She meant, "thank you for adopting African children..." For some, my adoption makes them feel guilty, as if I am telling them THEY should be doing something to help the starving children in Africa. Then their obvious guilt makes me feel bad! Aaaarrrrgggghhhhhh!
hey CUZ!
I know what you mean! I am 28 and when people heard that I was having my fourth I get the mixed reaction as well. Even though its none of their business what I do in my life. Oh! you have a 5 year old, 11 month old twins and you are having another baby in April. I get the "better you than me reply often." being adopted myself I understand the importance of MOM and DAD. You are doing a great job! I support you all the way! if my step-dad's parents didn't adopt me I don't know what would have happened to me. I do know I wouldn't be the person I am today. I was raised by a now 84 year old woman who was no blood relation to me but I had all the love and care that most blood children never receive. I know you are doing the right thing. You have two wonderful beautiful daughters who love you very much and now you will have two more children to share that love with. Isn't it amazing. When I found out I was having twins I said "how will I be able to love them both the same?" but its no diffrent then having two babies at diffrent times. I guess it doesn't matter about how many children you have. Its all about how much love you are willing and able to give. my birth mother treats me like a friend and we have never had a real mother/daughter relationship, she was never willing to give me all of her love. Thats why god put people like you on this earth. To give the love others are not willing to give. I can't wait to see you all next summer. XOXOXOX Amyleigh
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Ellen and Dave. I have had a BLAST reading this. Praying for AND with you both. We are here in the balcony cheering you on AND preparing a playroom for 5 kids instead of 3. Can't WAIT. Love you both. Mel and Pat
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