The Question was – Could I be Adopted – by Rosalinda Randall

In elementary school, during recess, my friend, Cynthia, casually told me that she was adopted. That was the first time I had ever heard of the word, much less understand its meaning. To this day I can recall the exact moment when I asked her what it meant. She explained that her “real” mom couldn’t keep her, and that“this mom and dad” adopted her. Not totally comprehending the situation, I remember first becoming sad, then scared, shocked, and uncertain about my status.

“Could I be adopted?”

The rest of the school day, I could only think of running home to ask my mom to explain this adoption thing to me and more importantly to find out whether I had been adopted.

Learning about adoption was one of those monumental moments in my childhood.

The second I ran through the kitchen door, I burst into tears running toward my mom. Through the sobs, I tried to tell her about my friend, Cynthia, who told me that she was adopted. After some time, my mom calmed me down. She started by explaining how adoption works and how it is a wonderful thing for children. Naturally, my burning question was answered, I was not adopted. Nor, were my brother and sister, however, she was. And the sobbing resumed along with overwhelming disbelief and confusion. Suddenly my understanding and acceptance of the concept of adoption, went out the door!

She explained it so beautifully and simply, as my mom always did. She said that it took a special man to accept a mother with four children—he was her father and he was my funny and caring grandfather. Whom I miss to this day.

Sharing this Story

I’ve never shared this story outside my family. But when I was invited to write about this by Eduardo Quintana, Founder of Manly Training, my gut accepted. It was a way to honor both my grandfather and my mother who are now together in heaven. And to acknowledge all those who were blessed to be a part of an adoption.

There are many opinions about when and how to tell a child that they are adopted. I do not presume to know. What I do find important is this, take into account the child’s personality, maturity, circumstances, opportunities (such as my experience), and what’s best for that child. Never allow convenience for the adult or a “get it over with” attitude guide your decision as to when and where to tell the child—that would be selfish. I am evidence that a child will carry that moment with them for the rest of their life.

Respect

I tilt my hat as a sign of respect and admiration to anyone who adopts a child. Thank you and God bless you. Especially to my grandfather, Luis. I love you.

Rosalinda Randall is a modern-day social skills and business etiquette expert/trainer, media source, author. She focuses on communicating and interacting more effectively and with a lot less drama.

Website: rosalindarandall.com

Book: “Don’t Burp in the Boardroom”

Twitter: @rosalindatweets

Facebook: Rosalinda Randall

Office: 650.871.6200

Email: rosalinda@rosalindarandall.com

© 2017 Rosalinda Oropeza Randall

Truly Rescued! – I Was Hopeless and Now I am Saved!

National Adoption Awareness Month

November is national Adoption Awareness Month and all over the US, little children are being adopted into their forever homes! National Adoption day is the Saturday before Thanksgiving so this year it will be on November 17th. Mass adoptions take place all over the US on that day and many orphans and children who have been placed in foster care due to neglect or abuse will finally have a mommy and a daddy who will be there for them.

Manly Training Ministries understands the need for men to grow into becoming the Fathers that we  were created to be and if adoption is or has been a part of your life or if you may be contemplating the possibility of adoption, The next 16 days will encourage you. Please share with your friends and family whose lives have been transformed through adoption.

My Friend David Lafferty from Million mile Secrets has some great information in an article he published recently. Check it out at :  The Ultimate Guide to Adoption Travel for Expecting Parents

Find Out More About Manly Training Ministries

You don’t need a Bribe to Join my Tribe… Go ahead, make it official!

Eduardo Quintana is also featured as an author on Lightworkers Media