We have been intentional in telling Silas that he is adopted. Many times I have told him the story about how he came in the middle of the night, and immediately woke up and smiled at us, when he didn't even know who we were. We knew he was special right at that moment. Usually when I have told the story I've added some information, such as telling him there were other kids in the van that night. Later I told him the names of his siblings that were taken to other homes after they left our house. He was very excited to hear their names, because we still hang out with them a few times each year. Even though he loves them and has an incredible bond with them, he doesn't really GET that they are his siblings. I have told him how the judge said he could stay with us forever. He seemed really in tune with that, and then followed up by asking if he could watch "Bob the Builder." People say it's a bigger deal to the parents than the child to tell them about being adopted, and he seemed to prove that there. One important day I asked if he wanted to know the name of the person whose tummy he and his siblings were in...when I told him, and instantly said, "and _____?" (birth dad's name). He knows their names because we have prayed for them every night for years, and he instantly made that connection. Yet he had never asked who they were.
Sometimes he refers to being in my tummy, and I remind him that he was not inside me. I say, "remember, you came in the middle of the night when you were four months old?" He's not connecting everything. Yet he has a big passion to pray for friends who are in the process of adopting. His heart is there. We dance around the kitchen to a song called "I'm adopted." We actually did that today. But I don't know that he could really define the word "adoption." I know he is young, but his siblings are not much older and they understand. I will continue to be intentional, but will you help me in this process?
I am organizing a diapers and wipes drive, because all foster care agencies need them on a regular basis. Part of the donations will be delivered to Children's Home and Aid in Bloomington, because of the agencies in our area, they currently have the most need for diapers and wipes. The other foster care agency we will be delivering boxes to is one where Silas spent countless hours visiting his birth parents and siblings. I want to walk him in there, visit his old case worker, and for him to SEE what used to be a huge part of his life. Now that he's older, I'm hoping he will make more of a connection when he sees those visiting rooms, and I can show him the many pictures I have of him in those rooms, over a period of three years...pictures of him and his siblings playing, at all those different ages. I also want him to desire to serve those who are currently in foster care. I am picturing him carrying those boxes of diapers and wipes in those front doors, and being very serious about helping others. Anyone that knows him knows that he is a big helper; he thrives on having an important job to do. So I am trying to mesh his deep desire to help with opening his eyes up a bit more to foster care and adoption. If nothing else, it will at least serve as a great service opportunity for him. Will you help? Here's how:
- Purchase wipes or any size of diapers.
- Let me know that you have done so and I will get them from you.
- OR if you are an Amazon shopper, you could purchase them online and have them shipped to our house. (If you don't have our address you can email me at sarajean2001@gmail.com and I'll give it to you.)
I can't wait to start seeing diapers and wipes pile up in our house. Silas' eyes will light up each time the Fedex truck comes, or I bring home diapers or wipes that someone has given me. I promise I will update with pictures of how high the stack goes. My goal is 20 boxes by October 25th! It's a double challenge - help us open Silas' eyes to understand adoption more, while serving those in the foster care community who truly need diapers and wipes. This will be fun!
Sara
