November is National Adoption Month!

So, a friend asked that I write a blog post or share something about adoption and/or their adoption profile to celebrate National Adoption Month.  I think adoption is so wonderful, and I jumped at the opportunity to share my thoughts...

but then when I sat down to write this ... I just couldn't think of anything to say that felt... Right.  Inspirational.  Powerful.

You see. I know adoption is a powerful and wonderful way to bring families together and bless lives.  But I can't say that I know that for myself personally.
I was not adopted.
None of my siblings were adopted.
My parents weren't either.
My husband wasn't, or anyone in his immediate family.
Our daughters were not adopted.
We probably won't adopt children, or place any of our children with an adoptive family. (I say "probably" because it's not in our plans as of now, but we don't know what the future holds for us, and if one day Heavenly Father impressed us that adoption would be right for our family, then we'd do it.)

So, in writing this, I kinda feel like an outsider to a beautiful thing; and I'm trying to tell you how beautiful and awesome it is without really knowing it personally. (Almost like trying to tell you what it's like to visit Rome after only reading travel brochures. I don't feel like I can do it justice or touch you the way others can who have been there.) But I do have quite a bunch of dear friends whose lives have been touch by adoption.  I know the love that has filled their hearts and made their families whole through adoption.  Anytime a friend tells me their positive experience with adoption, my heart just ... bursts (I'm not kidding, I really do feel like I have a mini-Independence-Day fireworks show going on in my chest.  I can't really explain it, but it feels good).  And so, to all of my incredible friends, I wanted to share a little something with you to celebrate National Adoption Month.  My hope is that families and persons who support adoption can be more than just those who are personally touched by it.

If you, or someone you know, has adopted a child or is looking to place a child with an adopted family, one of the kindest and EASIEST things you can do to support their family's decision to adopt is to use supportive words, often known as "Positive Adoption Language," or Respectful Adoption Language.  The words we use in conversation are powerful, and being kind in our words can build families and individuals up. Positive Adoption Language is not just for families or individuals directly affected by adoption; it's for everyone. A great friend sent me this document that recommends some potentially supportive language in place of potentially harmful language.


These are some friends' blogs or profiles who are searching for their child through adoption. Please pass along their blog/profile as they search for their family. (Also, if you are looking for your little one through adoption, I'd love to share your blog, button, profile, etc.  Just let me know!)

Shaun and Lanette

Chelsy and Brent

More adoption information can be found at It's About Love (facilitated through LDS Family Serivces) or Adoption.com