36 years ago today, just before my first birthday, I was legally adopted by my parents after living with them and being a part of their family since I was 7 days old. I was officially a Currier. A birth date is little more than an anniversary of when you join a family. I didn't join my family on my birthday, I officially joined it on Valentine's Day.
They say you can't choose your family but that cliche does not apply through adoption; that's what we do. As a father now, I recognize the deep bond you develop with your child and how fascinating it is to look at your children and realize they represent half of you and your more dominant genes; they are literally your better half. My parents did not have that luxury. My parents were driven not by the obligation of blood but by the choice of love.
Dwell on that concept with me for just a moment.
I am someone else's child that was given up for whatever reason, as is my brother and was my sister who passed away over 11 years ago. My parents sought out to take in a child of another. They chose to take on the delicate task of explaining to a developing mind that they have other parents elsewhere in the world and why that's okay. Further down the road, they had to deal with the hormonally charged, teenage angst that would come from this fact and would then be unfairly be pointed at them. They consciously chose and signed up for all of this. That is a choice that I had no say in but am one I am eternally grateful for its outcome.
Valentine's Day is a Hallmark created, obligatory reason to express love to someone. As much as I hate that and blogged about it last year, many of us take part in it. Thankfully, I have a much deeper reason to appreciate February 14th outside of whether or not I happen to be in a relationship. Today is the day that I reflect on the fact that my life was a choice and that my heart goes out to the two beautiful souls that stood at the front of that line and took action, without hesitation.
To my mother and father; there are so many things that I have said and done in my younger adulthood years that I will regret for the rest of my life. One thing that I will never regret is the man I am today. I can stand with pride in that identity -with my flaws and strengths alike- because you stood by your choice. As we continually "choose" each other, I thank both of you for that for starting this relationship. I will always be thankful for my life with you; the outcome of your selfless choice.
Dwell on that concept with me for just a moment.
I am someone else's child that was given up for whatever reason, as is my brother and was my sister who passed away over 11 years ago. My parents sought out to take in a child of another. They chose to take on the delicate task of explaining to a developing mind that they have other parents elsewhere in the world and why that's okay. Further down the road, they had to deal with the hormonally charged, teenage angst that would come from this fact and would then be unfairly be pointed at them. They consciously chose and signed up for all of this. That is a choice that I had no say in but am one I am eternally grateful for its outcome.
Valentine's Day is a Hallmark created, obligatory reason to express love to someone. As much as I hate that and blogged about it last year, many of us take part in it. Thankfully, I have a much deeper reason to appreciate February 14th outside of whether or not I happen to be in a relationship. Today is the day that I reflect on the fact that my life was a choice and that my heart goes out to the two beautiful souls that stood at the front of that line and took action, without hesitation.
To my mother and father; there are so many things that I have said and done in my younger adulthood years that I will regret for the rest of my life. One thing that I will never regret is the man I am today. I can stand with pride in that identity -with my flaws and strengths alike- because you stood by your choice. As we continually "choose" each other, I thank both of you for that for starting this relationship. I will always be thankful for my life with you; the outcome of your selfless choice.
Thank you for such beautiful, touching words, Ryan! Valentines Day is Special to us as well. Each and every February 14th reminds us of the wonderful day Dad, Todd, Traci and myself stood before the judge hearing those wonderful words that you were now officially ours! ♥
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