Quotes from Real Adoptive Dads on Fatherhood

I always wanted to be a father and to have a family. It was important to me even when I was a kid. When I was a teenager I had a unique experience that changed my life. There was a moment when I saw a little African American boy and thought to myself, “That boy is the most beautiful, handsome little boy that I have ever seen!” And truly, he was. At that moment, I felt from my Heavenly Father an inspiration, a prompting or a stirring. It was that someday, if I was obedient to my God, I would adopt an African American son. It was undeniable. And so, when I got to the stage of life when I was dating with the intent to marry, if the woman I was serious with was unwilling to adopt an African American boy–that would be a deal-breaker. Thankfully, the woman I fell completely in love with was on board with my desire.

Knowing from a young age that we would adopt didn’t take away the heartache and hurt that led us to that point in our lives. But in 2008 Kyron was born–a gift from Heavenly Father. The adoption journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been rewarding. Kyron is my son–on loan, not from biological parents, but from God. He is truly the most beautiful little boy I have seen, with perfect skin and awesome kinky-curly hair. And he is my son.

It doesn’t matter how my children came to me. I feel blessed every day that God has given us four beautiful children. No matter the blood type, skin color, height, gender, nationality . . . each of these four children are mine. And each one of them knows I’m their Daddy. -Chal Halverson

I have one biological child and one adopted child. The birth child was about 5 years old when we adopted a 14-year-old who had been through the foster care system. She was struggling to find a family she could fit with but nothing had ever worked out. It took us only about two weeks to feel like we had been together for our whole lives.

Although we did miss out on our adopted daughter’s early years, it is gratifying and wonderful to be able to have a second child. We would not have had a second child and I think our whole family would have felt an emptiness had we not come together. Watching our daughter make her way into adulthood, get an education, get married and then start having her own children has been very rewarding.

It's amazing how there can be a magical match. Ours was magical, and I am blessed to be her Dad. (Mike Hornaman)

I am blessed to have adopted my wife’s children. Part of the challenge of strengthening my bond with them is not having been blessed to be part of their lives from birth. There is a connection at birth that you cannot duplicate but, thankfully, you can create your own relationship that ends up being just as strong, if not stronger.

What makes the bond between us so special is that it’s constantly growing. When I first met them, I could tell right away that they were sweet, fun-filled kids. It’s been awesome learning from them and seeing them grow through the years. You definitely appreciate something more when you have to work for it.

Ultimately, the main source of the strength of our bond is based on is the love we share for their mother. That is where our bond originated. Her love for us and the love we all share has helped us grow immensely. She has brought our entire family together. All seven of us. I am eternally grateful for her.

To me, being a father is showing love and always being there for your kids. I’ve learned that your interests aren’t always going to match theirs and it’s surprising what they can teach you. Balancing the right amount of love, support, and respect is key to being a great Dad.

Adoption has blessed the lives of each of my family members. For me, it has opened my eyes to the needs of others, especially those who have not chosen to be in a difficult situation. The best things about being a father are seeing happiness in my children’s faces, watching them grow and learn, and helping them through trials. Without adoption, our family would be incomplete. Bela and Talin have blessed our lives with their individual personalities and loving attributes. -Kolby Campbell

Adoptive father Hugh Jackman said, “The love for your children is so powerful– you’d do anything for them and not even think about it.”

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all adoptive fathers who are DADS in the most real sense of the word!

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