With Ty reaching his 2 year home mark this week, I thought the subject of adoption celebrations would be an appropriate for this week.
Adoption celebrations. To do or not to do. That is the question.
Actually the bigger question is probably what to call them.
While most families do celebrate the arrival of their adopted child into the family, there are a few who argue it just further points out that the child is “different” especially if there are biological children in the family.
Since life can get so busy and time can get away, I think it’s important to recognize a child’s adoption because it designates at least one time a year where you can focus on exploring adoption topics with your child. It’s a great time to review your child’s lifebook or tell him his story of how he came into your family. If you’re child’s older, it’s a great time to explore how your child is processing the fact that he’s adopted and address any questions. Don’t get me wrong, your child should always feel comfortable bringing up these questions, but making a point to check in periodically (or annually) makes sure that they don’t get lost in the busyness of life.
What to call it.
Gotcha Day. Family Day. Adoption Day.
We called our Airplane Day growing up because it was the day we came on an airplane. With more families travelling to pick up their children, you have to decide which day you’ll celebrate.
The day you first met.
The day you received custody.
The day you went to court.
The day you landed on U.S. soil.
The day you finalize in the U.S.
For consistency purposes, we celebrate the day Ty landed on U.S. soil and call it Airplane Day even though we’d had him for about 3 days already and he didn’t become an official “Corkum” until 6 months later.
We celebrate with a special dinner, perhaps a small gift, and the retelling of his lifebook story.
What does your family do?
i'll go to purim oak for an authentic korean dinner!
…oh wait… :'(
nam kang it is then!