Jennifer Jackson Linck

Where Grace & Imperfection Collide

When You Adopt A Child… {Five Minute Friday: Ready}

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This has been a difficult week in my mama book and not because of anything that Jackson has done.

Many people, even friends and family, don’t understand that adoption comes with it’s own set of challenges and fears – even when you adopt a child at birth. This week I learned a valuable lesson after the preschool director chose to go behind our back to discuss our difficult son with his teacher from last year (who no longer works there).

I was outraged.

My heart broke for my son.

Instead of reading the paperwork I filled out that clearly said my son has a speech delay and can become easily frustrated, instead of calling me to talk about what happened (we still don’t know), they just decided to label him difficult.

Can Jackson be difficult?

Can’t all toddlers?

What hurt the most was the director and teachers inability to look past the strong-willed, boy of few words, to see his heart.

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Because the people who take the time to do that can tell you my son is full of joy. He’s happy and it’s contagious.

This week I learned a tough lesson.

Most people are going to want to give up on my son.

They will not fight for him the way my husband and I will (or his teacher from last year).

I read an amazing quote on a blog post yesterday that sums it up nicely.

In choosing to adopt, you are also choosing to be both your child’s protector and your child’s advocate.

When I said yes to him when his birthmother was only four months pregnant, I promised to love him no matter what, to be the best mama I could be, to fight for him and make sure he has the resources and life that every child deserves.

I promised and I’m ready.

 

***Today I’m linking up for Five Minute Friday. You can join all the fun here.

 

 

 


Comments

  1. Thank you for sharing. I have four daughters and 3 are very similar in personality and one is what I like to call, Pure Emotion Wrapped In Skin. I often see her sisters feel frustrated with her and their tendency to leave her out. As a parent, I think we have an ability to see the bigger picture, to love harder and longer and to be our (sometimes difficult) child’s advocate. They do give us great joy, don’t they?

    • I agree! Thanks so much for sharing your story with me today and encouraging me at the same time. Happy Friday!

  3. Jennifer, I love your heart for your son! You love him well- beyond the outside and others interpretation of him.
    I have a son who joined our family via adoption when he was 8 months old (he is 7 now) and a little girl we are currently foster parents to (she is 3 and her adoption should be final this next month). Your words are wonderful affirmation and a call to me to keep being an advocate and safe place for them.
    Glad to have read this via Five Minute Friday!
    Enjoy your weekend.

  4. Popping in from FMF. Your son is adorable!! I’m not a mama, so I can’t speak into the situation. What I do know is that he is deeply loved by Jesus and obvious by your family. I pray the Lord will give you what you require to love and protect and teach your boy! I love your mama heart! Blessings to you, Jennifer.