national adoption day

[katsie]

My employer practices something called (unofficially, I'm fairly sure) Mandatory Volunteerism. What this means in practical terms is that each and every branch and department must find a community event to volunteer at each year. You won't get paid, you won't be promoting the company, and it can't cost the company anything for you to participate

Comments

[ticklememauve]

I was adopted when I was eight--my adoptive father was amazing. He died a few years after the adoption. I am definitely thankful to have had him! :)

PS: This reminds me of a lady I know who started taking care of foster kids. The oldest one turned 18 towards the beginning of her senior year in high school. The bizarre laws there forced her out of the foster home even though the lady was very willing to take care of her for longer. So she had to quit school, get a job, and go the GED route. Isn't that awful? It really makes me sad.

[katsie]

*hugs*

I'd forgotten that you were adopted! As soon as I read your comment, I remembered but it had slipped my mind. Happy National Adoption Day :)

It's when things like that happen in foster care that you know the system is deeply flawed in some ways.

*shakes head*

[marcyjo]

Adoption is such an unbelievable thing. As both an adult adoptee and an adoptive mommy, there really isn't anything that could be closer to my heart.

I'm glad you got to be a part of such a special day!

[katsie]

I remember now you mentioning that you were both adopted and an adopter in your lj, which makes you doubly a hero in my book!

It was great fun and so wonderful to see all the kids having so much fun. Lots of activities, the mascots from the local AAA baseball team and my employer were both there, as well as plenty of food and treats. The highlight was the adoptions, of course, and those were lovely too.

[durayan]

I work closely with the foster care system in my state, and it's been my pleasure to work with many people who are very committed to doing the best they possibly can by the children who are in foster care--from foster parents to caseworkers and attorneys and judges. But the reality we are all aware of is that the state does not do a good job of raising children. Nothing can beat that forever home. My heart breaks for the young people who must endure that transition into adulthood without the support of family. I'm so glad that your group volunteered for Adoption Day. Go, YOU!

[katsie]

It was an experience that will stay with me for a long time to come and I am thankful that I was able to participate in it.