A few months ago (before schools shut down in the spring of 2020), our seven year-old grandson and his mom were having a discussion about the fact that he is adopted. The conversation was in response to Reuben telling her one of his friends at school asked him about it. The friend, who was just curious, had asked not because Rueben is biologically Asian and his parents are not, but because someone's mom had a baby.
In the middle of the conversation, Reuben paused for a moment before asking, "Mom, do Grandpa and Nanna know I'm adopted?"
Olivia did her best not to laugh as she answered, "Yes, Reuben. They know." If I remember correctly, she told him how we were at the airport to welcome them home when they brought him home from Taiwan and a few other memories like that. Reuben, being Reuben, was satisfied with the answer she gave, and went on about the business of doing his chores, playing in the dirt, and riding his bike. You know--all the essentials of being seven.
When Olivia told me about the conversation, we both laughed about it, but I have to say it made my heart grow a few sizes because it was a great big gigantic 'thumb's up' that Reuben had never ever felt different from his cousins--except the fact that he's been the only boy for those seven years among six girl cousins. It made me thankful beyond words that he knows for sure and for certain we love him just because he's Reuben. That's 'all'.
Our kids and grandkids should all have to ask questions like the one Reuben asked. They should all have to ask (out of curiosity) if we see anything but their fearfully and wonderfully made little hearts and minds because they've never been made to feel or think that being different equals being less.
We are all different from each other. Whether it be size, the color of our hair or eyes, which hand we use, our academic or athletic abilities, or any other on an endless list of possibilities, we are all different. So if your littles have to ask if you see them for what they are, instead of who they are...and if you can answer 'no', I just want to say...GO YOU!
Love,
Momma D
Copy right 2020 Darla Noble. No part of this can be used or copied without permission from the author. www.dnoblewrites.com
