http://www.threeyellowroses.com/2009/12/04/adopt-a-new-phrase/ All about Adoption, Support and Information Sun, 01 Aug 2010 02:47:38 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 hourly 1 http://www.threeyellowroses.com/2009/12/04/adopt-a-new-phrase/comment-page-1/#comment-2908 Karen Mon, 07 Dec 2009 03:00:29 +0000 http://www.threeyellowroses.com/?p=568#comment-2908 Even as an adoptive parent of two, I have to admit that I never really understood the whole "adopt-a..." issue. But, I really like the way you put it in this article. Your writing here made me see it much more clearly. Other writings I've seen have ranged all the way from a bit defensive to downright angry. Unfortunately I don't think I've been able to see past that to actually see the message. You've explained it much more reasonably and rationally. Wow... OF COURSE its silly to call it "Adopt-a-family". OF COURSE it may be confusing to my nearly 5 year old and her classmates/friends, who are all beginning to more clearly grasp the whole concept of adoption. My church, social group, school, etc., is doing nothing more than purchasing some gifts and basic necessities for a family currently in need. (and by that I don't mean to imply that it's "nothing") We certainly are NOT adopting them in the true sense of the word... we aren't vowing to love them unconditionally and be happily committed to them for the rest of our lives. The reality is, I'll never even meet the family we select each year. We are simply taking an opportunity to hopefully make them feel special and appreciated through some small material gifts. Now I get it... it makes MUCH more sense to take the approach that you are "sponsoring" a family for Christmas. While my church does put families information on "The Giving Tree", it is still referred to as "Adopt a Family" in the bulletin and such. Our program is already finished for the year, but you've definitely inspired me to give it more thought. And I'll absolutely be sending a gentle letter of clear explanation and requesting a change in wording for next year's program. Thank you!! Even as an adoptive parent of two, I have to admit that I never really understood the whole “adopt-a…” issue. But, I really like the way you put it in this article. Your writing here made me see it much more clearly. Other writings I’ve seen have ranged all the way from a bit defensive to downright angry. Unfortunately I don’t think I’ve been able to see past that to actually see the message. You’ve explained it much more reasonably and rationally. Wow… OF COURSE its silly to call it “Adopt-a-family”. OF COURSE it may be confusing to my nearly 5 year old and her classmates/friends, who are all beginning to more clearly grasp the whole concept of adoption. My church, social group, school, etc., is doing nothing more than purchasing some gifts and basic necessities for a family currently in need. (and by that I don’t mean to imply that it’s “nothing”) We certainly are NOT adopting them in the true sense of the word… we aren’t vowing to love them unconditionally and be happily committed to them for the rest of our lives. The reality is, I’ll never even meet the family we select each year. We are simply taking an opportunity to hopefully make them feel special and appreciated through some small material gifts. Now I get it… it makes MUCH more sense to take the approach that you are “sponsoring” a family for Christmas. While my church does put families information on “The Giving Tree”, it is still referred to as “Adopt a Family” in the bulletin and such. Our program is already finished for the year, but you’ve definitely inspired me to give it more thought. And I’ll absolutely be sending a gentle letter of clear explanation and requesting a change in wording for next year’s program. Thank you!!

]]> http://www.threeyellowroses.com/2009/12/04/adopt-a-new-phrase/comment-page-1/#comment-2899 Emily Sat, 05 Dec 2009 13:22:46 +0000 http://www.threeyellowroses.com/?p=568#comment-2899 Danielle- Once again, your article is so well-done. I have never even considered the 'adopt-a' language as problematic, but now I see so clearly how it needs to change. I promise that, every time I have the chance to address this issue (either in my own church or in one of my friend's), I will do it. Thanks for the article. :-) Emily Danielle-
Once again, your article is so well-done. I have never even considered the ‘adopt-a’ language as problematic, but now I see so clearly how it needs to change. I promise that, every time I have the chance to address this issue (either in my own church or in one of my friend’s), I will do it. Thanks for the article.

Emily

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