Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Dealing with disappointment...

I have been so looking forward to dipping my toe into the adoption pool again - it was my dream to bring home a little girl. I was happily in the research stage going about my business. That’s when reality comes and smacks me really hard in the face, bringing me crashing back down to earth. So it seems that I am going to be a grandmother. Yes, I know, I am only 39, but I too had my kids young and my second oldest is 18 and pregnant… She told me the news about 3 months ago and I have been devastated ever since. Hopes & dreams, hers and mine, completely dashed and/or put on hold. She is not married, and I do not advocate for her to get married just because she’s having a baby. Two rights do NOT make a wrong and it’s not in her best interest at this time. She finally got a part-time job and she will enroll in the junior college by the house for classes in the fall. She will have to maintain 15 credit hours to stay on my insurance, in addition to working. She’s on the same path I travelled, and it’s definitely not an easy one. She will be living at home for now, she needs to finish school & get on her feet. At this point, I don’t feel that I can move forward with my dream, there’s too much that will be going on in the next few months. I try to keep telling myself that the dream is just shelved for now. That it’s not put away into a box, locked up, not to be opened again. But as the time ticks away I feel the opportunity slipping away as well. Restrictions on singles are changing all the time, in many countries, and not in favor of single adoptions. It’s hard to sit by and watch everyone else going through the process when I know that’s exactly where I want to be – right in the process. Most everyone that adopted at the same time as I have all gone back for their second round  of kiddos…. It’s hard to also sit by and watch my daughter go through what she’s going through and know what she will go through. It’s hard to sit through and listen to all the family drama this has created. Some of it I do not know how to deal with. So, I find myself depressed at times and having a hard time pulling myself out of the pit. I just have to remember that I can’t let myself slide down into that pit, or it will suck me in for sure.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi - I'm a blurker, but your entry really interested me. My sister had her first child at 19 and she was also unwed and in college. You know as well as anyone how hard it is, but I can't help but remember how the depression and fear immediately turned into love and elation once the baby was born. Our entire family pulled together to help her get through nursing school. The baby was such a blessing to all of us. I was 17 and rebellious when she first announced her pregnancy. It really helped our entire family (my younger brother and sister were still in grade school) all to grow and prioritize and work hard. She has a big road ahead of her, but I will say a prayer tonight that she rises to the challenge with grace and that this child will help to fulfill many things for all of you. Best of luck to you all.

Laura (WHFC, waiting in CT)

Andrea Hill said...

Yeahh, congratulations. I think that's wonderful news. Babies are always such a blessing. I am sure your daughter will get it all together in a few years and you can finally dip your toes into the adoption world. Plus Kathy, you are really not old. If you are adopting another special needs child you can be 45 and get a baby. It will all work out. I am just thrilled for you. Wished my daughter get pregnant:)