Length of stay in U.S. foster care (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Daily Prompt: Bone of Contention
Pick a contentious issue about which you care deeply — it could be the same-sex marriage debate, or just a disagreement you’re having with a friend. Write a post defending the opposite position, and then reflect on what it was like to do that.
I completely understand the process of adoption. I understand that because I have not been blessed to have a child on my own, that I must not be smart enough to properly “house” a child. I need someone to come to my home and check for lead paint, the location of my hot water heater, and the temperature of the water that flows out of the shower. I should be completely prepared to share with this person who is paid with my tax dollars my beliefs, past mistakes, and why I feel that I deserve a child. I mean he/she must be authority on who gets a kid because at the stroke of the pen the process can come to a screeching halt. Failed Homestudy means FIX your household (whatever that means) and he/she will be back to inspect and grade us again. I mean really … doesn’t the process of telling this agent of the state what he/she wants to hear make me a great parent? It wouldn’t make a difference if I said I would give my left arm AND right leg to be able to carry a child to term. I am sure that he/she hears something to this effect on a daily basis. We would die to protect this child (if we pass the guru’s tests and are approved), and while we couldn’t promise that our child would have EVERYTHING that he/she wanted we guarantee that he/she will have everything that he/she needs and most of what he/she wants.
Yes, we need 36 hours of parenting classes. I long to sit in a room with people wondering why my husband and I have turned to adoption. Please don’t leave out the part that if we are willing to be foster parents, this could speed up the process of being matched with a child. You know this would be soooo easy for someone who can’t have children. Sure, bring me a child and IF the birthparent doesn’t mess up again we will come and snatch it away from you after you have bonded with so said child. But, don’t get discouraged this process could happen several more times . Oh Joy, FUN times! We will enjoy spending 2 Saturdays sitting in a room with others who have to guided through the process of becoming a parent. Please give me handouts and a slide show to teach me how to parent. Tell me how there are children waiting for a forever home and in 12 to 36 months you hope to match us up with a child. Heck, what is another three years of waiting? What is three years to a child sitting longing for someone to call Mom and Dad. God I hate the system!
I was raised in a home where love and support was given unconditionally and in abundance. I have never seen my parents raise a hand to one another or to me. I still receive that love and support every single day and they would be the most wonderful Grandparents that a child could wish for. But, let’s not mention them to the “Adoption Guru” they may be required to take a class too. I am certain that my 39 years of learning (everything the hard way) hasn’t prepared me for loving, providing for, and guiding a child on the right path of life.
I am not exactly sure that I followed the prompt but it felt good to get this out on paper! Thanks DPChallenge I needed that rant!
Charming South 