Luke and Leia Were Adopted: A Star Wars Write-Up

The Force was as mighty with Luke as it was with Anakin, even before he knew the truth about his ancestry. As an adoptive parent, I will sometimes spot a knack for art or an aptitude for athletics that I know were not fished out of my gene pool. The unique fusion of nature and nurture in adoptees gives them distinctive missions in the world.

You may never have been rescued from an antenna underneath Cloud City by summoning your sister with the Force, but you know that, when push comes to shove, you can always count on your siblings. Their understanding of your home life and the values you assimilated is a wonderful source of support for adoptees.

Follow Maz Kanata in The Force Awakens, who cautioned Ray to “Close your eyes. Feel it. The light...it’s always been there. It will guide you.” Adoptees, adoptive parents, and birth parents all need the strength of faith to counsel them through knotty questions and propel them toward their dreams. There is a warm and remarkable reason for all of it.

Children are often more sensitive than we are to new wonders. Luke and Leia learned resilience and courage from each other. Internationally adopted children can learn a new language in three months. Don’t underestimate your child’s ability to amaze you with his or her insights and thoughtfulness.

The fears and heartbreak you overcame as an adoptee, birth parent, or adoptive parent are the healing balm for someone else’s soul. Join an inclusive community of those touched by adoption, and you will water plants and bloom in ways you did not think possible.