Is adoption really love?
Breaking down the hashtag…
The hashtag #adoptionislove has received a lot of criticism within the adoption community due to the perceived emphasis on the hearts and rainbows aspect of adoption, and thereby it’s denial of the complexities and loss.
Because adoption is loss.
And adoption is hard.
So very hard…
I understand how individuals, especially those who are in a difficult place within their adoption journey, could question the catch phrase {adoption is love}.
Because many people perceive the word love to be synonymous with happiness. But that kind of love, or bliss, fluctuates.
I know full well that if you’ve ever loved deeply, then you’ll certainly agree that it’s hardly the hearts, rainbows and butterflies experience. Because that would deny the complexities and depth inherent in LOVE.
I challenge that true LOVE is a constant. True LOVE is complicated. True LOVE acknowledges the nuances in life and leaves space for the other person to feel however their feeling: happy, sad, confused, angry, joyful, hurt, anxious, confident, lost ...
True LOVE is the bridge to EVERYTHING.
♥️ Stephanie
Writer/researcher Karla McLaren, M. Ed says: ”Real love is a steadfast promise that repeats itself endlessly through life and beyond death. Love does not increase or decrease in response to its environment, and it does not change with the changing winds.”