And, for better or worse, we have no kids in tow.
But we did end up having a fairly good time. There were many games set up outside for the kids to “win” tickets (they could “win” tickets by playing with the bubbles!). With these tickets they were then able to go “shopping” for toys, games, and clothing. It was really interesting.
Inside they had several crafts set up for kids to make. I helped an adorable little girl make a wreath ornament from jingle bells. Turned out that she was one of a set of six siblings that were available for adoption. Imagine! From zero to six in one afternoon! My Partner also had the opportunity to interact with a few of the kids from that same family. They ranged in age from less than 1 year old to 12 years old. They were all beautiful, happy, well-behaved children. It broke my heart thinking about how nearly impossible it was going to be for them to be adopted by one family. My Partner, bless his heart, kept saying that perhaps there was a wealthy family out there looking for six beautiful children. Unfortunately I’m enough of a realist to believe that any family with enough resources to support 6 children is going to opt for other ways to build a family (but I’m enough of an optimist to hope there is such a family looking for them!).
We were both so touched by those children that we proceeded to talk about them the next day! We both agreed that if we had the resources (which meant I could stay home without paid employment and also that we could afford at least part-time help to support the domestic requirements (laundry, cleaning, cooking)) we would adopt them in a heartbeat. Unfortunately our current financial reality doesn’t allow that.
My Partner commented on the way out the event that he’s not one to show much emotion, but that there were a few times that he got misty-eyed from watching the kids.
All in all, it was good a good experience if only to see the variety of children that were available for adoption. They ranged from dark hair, eyes, and skin to blonde-haired, blue-eyed; from single children to, obviously, sibling sets of six.
We’ll keep making ourselves available and attending these events until our child, or children, find(s) us.
December 4, 2007 at 6:36 am
Wow. Six. Wow.
December 4, 2007 at 6:41 am
I’m glad you went. I feel sorry for the “six pack too”. I hope someone will be able to keep them all together and give them a home. It’s good that you’ll go again, but maybe you’ll get a placement before then.
December 4, 2007 at 7:48 am
I’m glad you went too, now you have a good idea what to expect next time. I hope the six pack finds a good home, all together. And I hope you and your little one(s) meet soon!
December 4, 2007 at 12:27 pm
Six – that just boggles the mind. I do know of someone who adopted three little sisters together. So, it does happen – but the adjustment is huge. Hope you find your special little one soon.
December 4, 2007 at 4:44 pm
I hope all the kids at the event will be placed in homes as loving as yours very soon! And I especially hope that you experience parenthood very soon!
December 4, 2007 at 7:57 pm
think of what you would do if it was a call for the six? I know it sounds impossible but…. keep an open mind, Frank, and if you can keep us posted on that little family.
December 4, 2007 at 11:32 pm
I’m happy to hear that overall it was a good experience! I’ve been thinking about you and I’m sure the child/children that need your love the most will find you soon!!
December 5, 2007 at 7:27 am
December 5, 2007 at 5:49 pm
wow – how heartbreaking to attend an event like that! you have such an excellent attitude about your child/children finding you. I would be a wreck. My sister just adopted a sibling group of 3 (from terrible circumstances) — they are dear, dear children. They are so meant to be her kids! Your baby/babies are out there! I can’t wait until you are together!
December 5, 2007 at 5:50 pm
The one(s) are out there, Frank. You’ll find them or they’ll find you soon! What a happy day that will be!