September 12, 2011

How do you define adoption?

This is an interesting question to think about as we emerge from the tenth anniversary of 9/11. That was a day when we as a country defied segregation. There was no division of race, religion, socio-economic status. We were hit as a country, so we banded together as a country, and strengthened our national identity in such a way that it hasn’t been the same since.

It’s an interesting note of comparison, because to us this really parallels the experience of adoption which produces a global identity for family. Through adoption, families are created outside of the boundaries of country, religion, race or government — the development of family without exception.

We recently stumbled upon this submission request for writers interested in drawing upon their experience of adoption to produce a 1500-2500 word essay ultimately summing up how they feel about adoption in one word. An impossible task, it seems, no? But, as we prepare to write our own essay, we’re excited about the opportunity to really delve into the process of adoption, all of the emotions that come with it, and what it truly means to us. So as we leave behind our ten year anniversary of 9/11/2001, where thoughts are surely racing and concepts of identity, family and place run strong, we thought we’d share the opportunity with you to tell your story. If not in an essay to be submitted to a book, for us, your peers, or just yourself. It’s an incredible process that we’re all involved in here, and at such an exciting time as well. So, in one word, or many, what does adoption mean to you?

To find out more details on writing an essay for the project and the submission guidelines, go to White Sugar, Brown Sugar.