Today was my adoption day. I was a year and a half old. We always called it my Family Day.
Today I want to remember my mom and dad, now in heaven. I want to thank them for rescuing me from an abusive foster home. I still carry the scars — burn scars on my shoulder and mental health struggles from what I endured. When my new mom came to get me, I ran to her like it was meant to be. I clung to her, desperate for help and safety.
They took me to a doctor and discovered I had other serious injuries and severe diaper rash. I had often been left alone with preteen boys. When I arrived at my new home, I ran straight for a hassock with my Dad, there's a picture below.
Although our family went through its own struggles — sickness, pain, and alcoholism — we also had so much good. My mom went to school meetings and stood up for me and my reading difficulties, which I later understood were due to dyslexia. She fought for me through my behavior issues and everything that came with it.
At my graduation, she had an angina attack and they had to call an ambulance because she was so happy and excited. She was okay — and she still managed to throw me a surprise party afterward. She even took my tassel and said she had earned it after all those days helping me in school. I agreed.
My dad showed me that nothing is impossible, that people can change, and that love can win. I still have his ten-year medallion from AA as a reminder of his strength and growth.
As we get older, we realize how much our parents did for us. We also come to understand that physical pain can make people moody, and that they aren’t superheroes — they’re human, with emotional and physical struggles of their own. But their love was always so evident.
I remember our special days — cakes made by Mom, sitting on Dad’s lap after a breakup while he held me as I cried my heart out. Christmas decorating, singing songs, cooking with Mom, dancing to Elvis and The Beatles.
I just want to thank them for being my mom and dad. I miss you both so much. There is still so much I want to say to them, but I know they are up there watching over us.
I also want to thank my sister and extended family — my dad's and mom's families, my cousins, my in-laws, and my husband’s family — for never treating me differently, but always embracing me as a cousin, niece, and in-law. Thank you to the friends who have cared so deeply over the years.
