About 50 families turned out at a local park recently for an event that was all about families, each with stories of triumphing over difficulties. In the case of these families, that difficulty was infertility related.
So, why were families celebrating? On June 18, families that were made complete through adoption got together for an annual picnic to play with, eat with and meet families just like their own.
A jumpy house, kites, sports games, and arts and crafts made it a fun event for children and adults. This also was an event for couples, gay and straight, who still are hoping to realize their dreams of one day being chosen by a birth parent and completing their families.
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Families from all over the Bay Area and beyond attended. Susan, from San Luis Obispo, came with her two dreams come true — Dylan, 14, and Alexis, 5.
Her children are years apart but their adoption made Susan and her husband the parents they had always dreamed of becoming.
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Lisa and Pamela brought their 6-year-old daughter, Amelia. She enjoyed playing in the jumpy house with other adopted children. Amelia’s birth mother planned to attend the event, too, to see the child she had placed in the couple's care.
Marianne and Ron, along with Ron’s parents, brought 9-month-old Jenner to his first open adoption picnic. They hope to make it an annual tradition so Jenner will know other adopted children who share similar experiences.
Jeremy and Nathan came to talk to other couples who had adopted. Hearing the success stories of others is powerful for couples waiting to complete their families through adoption. They wait for that one phone call that will change their lives.
Each family that resulted from open adoption has its own story — the end result, though, is that a family was created.
To learn more as a birth parent or about becoming an adoptive parent, visit www.iheartadoption.org.
