I am humbled by the experience that so many of you have with adoption, be it from any perspective. My experience is relatively new, but comes with such a cluster of emotions. Today, I am choosing to set aside the emotions on which I often dwell, and focus on the immense joy that (foster) adoption has brought to my family and others. I am trying to work on bringing more positive things, thoughts, and people into my life. During this season of Thanksgiving, these are a few among many of the things I choose to be thankful for today:

1) The sacrifice of our daughter’s biological mother
2) Our daughter’s biological family
3) Our wonderful caseworkers (We have been blessed with great ones!)
4) The ability to love a child more than myself
5) Our daughter’s entire life story
6) Our family’s journey from foster care to adoption
7) God’s wisdom in taking us through the valleys of infertility and miscarriage
8) Diversity and how it has truly opened our eyes to new perspectives
9) New friendships based on a common thread
10) Our daughter being able to get out of the “system” at such a young age
11) Every vital individual that fits into the adoption puzzle (parent, adoptee, adoptive parent, etc.)
12) The openness of so many to share there personal struggles, insight and journeys with adoption through various media
13) God entrusting us with an unbelievably precious gift

Realizing that not every foster care situation or adoption is easy, blemish-free, or a true display of justice, I know that this idea of being thankful for adoption may conjure up only negative images for some. However, I challenge you to come up with a mental list of just 3 things that may have positively impacted your life because of adoption. Some of you may come up with 300, while others may truly struggle to come up with just one, and that is okay.

Perspective is an interesting thing for sure. But, as we begin focusing on the Thanksgiving season, I would love to hear your stories, thoughts, and insights on the positive things (even if it is a far stretch) for which you can be thankful for in your journey, from any angle of adoption.

Aubrey also writes at her personal blog, Kingcade Kitchen, between changing diapers and playing baby dolls with her little one.