Scene: Beach
60-something married couple (60SMC): Is that your son?
Me: Yes he is.
60SMC: Would you mind if we asked you some questions about him? It’s obvious that he wasn’t born in the US. He is breathtaking and such a happy kid!!!
Me: Thank you! And you are correct—he was born in Ethiopia. I agree—he is pretty amazing! We became a family a little over a year and a half ago.
60SMC: How wonderful! We have some friends of friends who just adopted from Haiti right before the earthquake. Since we don’t know them very well, I would love to use the correct verbiage when talking to them about their son. We haven’t met anyone else who has ever adopted. Is that weird to ask you?
Me: Not at all. I wish more people would ask. Go ahead and ask away…
Twenty minute conversation that turned into an appropriate adoption terminology.
60SMC: Your son is so lucky to have you for a mom. We can’t tell you how much this means to us. We know how precious family is and to be able to become a family—no matter how it happens, is a miracle.
Me: Thank you! But I have to tell you. I am the one who is blessed. He has changed my whole life for the better.
60SMC: Well, it shows on both of your faces.
*We parted ways! This conversation left me smiling!
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