How Adoption Changed My Views--Part 1

I used to be ignorant. I don't know, maybe it was just naive. It's amazing how a person can have a certain world view, and suddenly be exposed to something that completely alters that.

It's like growing up. As a teenager, the world revolved around me. I mean, doesn't it revolve around every teenager? I didn't realize it at the time, but I was a bit narcissistic (sorry, mom). I thought I pretty much knew everything. But then, I got older. And, as the saying goes, I got wiser. It's weird. I mean, it seems that the older I get, it's like the Lord peels back layers in front of my eyes, and I suddenly see things differently. My tastes even change.

As a kid, I couldn't stand coffee. As a grown up, I revel in the smell of the stuff brewing, and fully enjoy the experience of drinking a cup now and then.

As a kid, I thought most healthy food was, well, disgusting. As a grown up, I find it exhilarating to find healthy alternatives to what I might already be eating.

As a kid, I would consistently ask my mom, "What's for dinner?" and would consistently get the answer, "Food." It would drive me nuts. I vowed I would never repeat those words to my children. As a grown up, I use that same response almost every day.

As a kid, I thought my world was the world. Then I {semi} grew up and went to Honduras on a 6-week mission trip. And my eyes were opened. I started to see glimpses of the real world. My problems and obstacles didn't seem quite so bad anymore.

The list goes on and on.

Before adoption, I knew I would never support medicating any of my children. Surely when a child misbehaves or is overly rambunctious, it is because the parent is failing in some way. Surely, right?

But now I am not so black and white. It's not a yes or no answer. It's not something that is the same for everyone across the board. Don't get me wrong--I have no intention of medicating any of our children at this time. But there are children in our little family who have opened my eyes to the possibility that maybe, just maybe I don't have all the answers. And I am open to doing whatever is best for our children. And I don't think anyone can fully understand that until they have experienced what we have. Of course, it doesn't only apply to adopted children. It can apply to anyone.

I know there is a stigma attached to medications. I know there are many, many people strongly opposed. And I was one of them. But I know there are many out there who know just what I mean when I say this: Until you have experienced a child who challenges the fibers of your very being in ways you never even thought possible, you really can't fully comprehend the choice.

So adoption has changed my views on medication. It's changed my views on much more.

More on that tomorrow!