A daughter by definition is “a female child or person, in relation to her mother, father or both”. Relation is “the way in which two or more people are connected”. Some people however, do not know or understand that you do not need to be related to be connected as family. Kim Kelley-Wagner is a mother of two who has recently posted a series of photos in an album titled “Things said to or about my adopted daughters” on her Facebook. Though it may not seem like it, children are always listening. What we say out of ignorance can really hurt them and linger in their thoughts.
“Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother.” – Oprah Winfrey
“I am not broken because I am adopted, I am blessed.” – adoption.com
“There are no unwanted children, just unfound families.” – The National Adoption Center
“I have four children, two are adopted, I forget which two.” – Bob Constantine
“It’s important to realize that we adopt not because we are rescuers. No. We adopt because we are rescued.” – David Platt
“Adoption is not a birth-mother’s rejection but an unconditional love that inspires her to put herself last and do all she can for her baby.” – Unknown
“Somehow destiny comes into play. These children end up with you and you end up with them. It’s something quite magical.” – Nicole Kidman
On her Facebook, Kim says “I have tried to explain to my daughters that people do not say these things to be mean, they say them out of ignorance, which is why I am sharing some of them. Words are powerful, they can become tools or weapons, choose to use them wisely.” All children are unique in their own way but they all need love and encouragement. They see your actions, hear your words and sometimes, if the words are said enough, think your thoughts so be mindful of what you say. Adopted children are not an exception to that rule either, they are no different from any other family with a biological child. It does not mean they love their parents any less, or that they are loved any less. It just means there were a few more pieces of paper involved in order to complete a family.
“Be careful what you say, you can say something hurtful in ten seconds, but ten years later, the wounds are still there” – Joel Osteen
Featured photo credit: Family – Jill Wellington via pixabay.com
