Throughout this campaign, we have been asked many questions about the process, about our decision to adopt, and even about our fertility status (and if that isn't an awkward topic, I'm not sure what is), but what I hear the most isn't a question. It's the statement "Wow! You're such a strong man to raise a child that isn't yours."
Now, if you're someone who has made that comment to me, please know, I'm not offended. I can understand why you would think that way. I mean this child will not have one ounce of my blood, not one gene of my DNA, but DNA isn't what makes a family.
This is something I've known my whole life.
If you've known me long enough, you'll know that I talk about my sisters and brother, but you'll also know that I am an only child. I was blessed to have two "sisters" and a "brother" come into my life when I was young, and another "sister" joined our crazy group a few years ago. Before I even started kindergarten, my mom was nannying for a six-week old named Cera. She was the daughter of a friend and we would grow up together. We would play, we would fight, I would push her over, or push her on a swing. The only difference was we didn't sleep under the same roof.
A few years later, Jimmy would come along. Biologically, he's Cera's brother, but to me, he's my baby brother too. I would play Ninja Turtles with him and go to his hockey games to cheer him on. We would play basketball in the yard and go to the movies.
Samantha came next and like all babies, she was spoiled from the start. I sat through her dance recitals, took her for Slurpees, and gave her all the things that her mom said "no" to.
A few years ago, Katherine was born, and while I've not been able to be as active in her life, I see it much like how an older brother is with a much younger sibling. Stephanie and I send her packages, mostly consisting of toys that will drive her mom crazy.
So while my mom only gave birth to one child, I have four siblings that I couldn't love more.
I threatened Cera's now-husband when they started dating, I cried at her wedding, and I cried when she gave birth to both of my nephews. (Disclaimer: I fully plan on crying my eyes out when my first niece comes in a few weeks.)
I tied a yellow ribbon when Jimmy deployed with the Army, prayed every night that he would return safely, and I celebrated when he did.
I dried Samantha's eyes when boys hurt her and sit anxiously to see what the future holds for her.
I laugh everyday at the new story I hear from Katherine and her love for Ninja Turtles (now I'm on a mission to make Raphael her favorite, too).
All humans are 99.5% similar biochemically. So you see, I can over look that 0.5% and know that no matter what, it is that Love Makes A Family.
~Brian
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