We are the Truth

In light of what is happening with Russian Adoptions, the JCIS has asked families to celebrate their successes by sharing their adoption stories on their blogs today as part of their “We are the Truth Campaign.”

Meet Aiden, my truth
September 1, 2008: The day the adoption agreement ended between the United States and Vietnam. It was also one of the best days of my life. It was the day I found out my referral had become official. Nothing like getting down to the wire. I believe his referral was signed by the DIA just days before the deadline. Two days later I finally saw this face:

And on November 30, 2008, I met the little man of my dreams. On December 1, 2008 we finally became a family.
I am pretty sure most adoptive parents are eternally grateful that a country allowed them to adopt a child. I can never express the thankfulness I feel. I would like to think I make that clear in the post placement reports, but it's really immeasurable. I am forever grateful to Vietnam for allowing me to be Bao Quoc's parent.
The truth is not all sunshine and rainbows. I can't even begin to tell you how my thoughts on adoption have changed and evolved over the last 3 years. Adoption involves loss. I am sad that I took Aiden Bao Quoc away from his birth country. I know he will never experience his culture and heritage like he would in Vietnam. But I try. I do my best to be as involved as I can. As Aiden gets older, I will let him decide how much is enough.
Aiden also lost a mom. A family. I know that I am not Aiden's only mom. But I am his mom. For better or worse, I will always be a parent to my son. Nothing will ever change that. Aiden isn't adopted, he was adopted. We are a family now. Nothing can change that either. So many people tell me how lucky Aiden is. Oh how wrong they have it- I am the lucky one. I am so blessed to have this little boy in my life.Aiden is a part of our extended family and is so so loved by all. And while we don't have a big extended family, we have very special chosen family. And some of that chosen family has been formed through love and adoption as well. And because Russia is part of the reason for this campaign, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the truth I know about adoption from Russia. I have shared pictures of Aiden and Stephanie before. Stephanie was born in Russia and joined her family 8 years ago. I know for her parents love her to the moon and back and I can't imagine our life without Stephanie and her parents, Dana and Scott (who I should mention Aiden calls "the man"- all other men are "a man" so Scott has a special title). They have been such a source of support for us and it's nice to have family close by that love and care for my son. No doubt about it, I love my son more than I can ever put into words. Was that love there his first few months home? No. I loved him, but that love has blossomed and grown into so much more as our attachment formed and grew. We have grown together, mother and son. Love is an amazing thing. Adoption can be just as amazing. It has changed my life...for the better and for good.