A few weeks ago there was an article about adoption in the New York Times that was different from most of the articles that are written these days about adoption. It is entitled, A Single Adoptive Mother- in 1937.
Rachel Gordan, the author, wrote about Laura Hobson, a friend of the editors of Ladies Home Journal. In 1937, Hobson adopted a baby and wrote about it in the Journal. Gordan writes that “it is rare to see a human interest story on the topic that can make it seem like adoption is a parenting challenge of our time, like baking gluten free snacks or finding story books t
hat are friendly to same sex parenting.”
What was also rare about the article was that it was written by a single (divorced) mother in 1937 and she wrote it anonymously. “In her article, Ms. Hobson provided a glimpse into her fashionable, Manhattan writer’s life (“What with pretty clothes, amusing parties and no wallflower problem, it is a life of mobility, mental and social stimulation”) that had become more fulfilling with the addition of her adopted son and, “the curiously constant knowledge, while I’m off at the office or at a dinner party, that at home in my house, in the room next to mine, is my adopted baby, my son to keep and care for and plan for, for twenty-one years.”
Today adoption has become so complex. As the world gets smaller, choices become greater. Today it is possible for most everyone to adopt, although it is still more challenging for single people and gay men and lesbians, whether they are adopting as an individual or as a couple.
The key is to find people who can educate, advocate and guide you through the complex process that need not be so complex. The first place to begin is by asking people you know who have adopted, what the process was like for them. Then you can follow up with a call to the agency or attorney that assisted in the adoption. Another way is to speak with an adoption consultant who understands the process and can offer suggestions and guidance throughout the many stages.
As an adoption consultant, I know how complicated the process can be but I also know that it can be done. There are also websites, books, workshops, listserves, etc., that can help you. To learn how to begin, feel free to contact me. I’m happy to get you started or guide you throughout the entire process.
_________________
Emily S. Rosen, LCSW is an Adoption Consultant. She writes for the Wellness Section in the myTherapy Blog.
Want to read more blog posts like this? Join our Newsletter by clicking here.
For a list of our counseling and wellness services, click here.
- An Adoption Story Ahead of Its Time - May 27, 2014
- Adoption: Myths & Facts - April 7, 2014
