Where there is adoption, there is hope.

There is hope in the paperwork, the interviews, the background checks.

There is hope in the waiting, the worrying, and the heartache.

There is hope in the preparation, the anticipation, and the open doors.

There is hope in the picking, the choosing, the first meeting.

There is hope in the hellos, the goodbyes, and the see-you-laters.

There is hope in the doubting, the second-guessing, the leaps of faith.

There is hope in the sleepless nights, the endless prayers and the hurt.

There is hope in the first breaths, the final hugs, and everything in between.

There is hope in the grief, the pain, the sorrow.

There is hope in the healing, the processing, the cautious steps forward.

There is hope in moments of fear, of disappointment, of forgiveness.

There is hope in the boundaries, the balance and lifelong commitments.

There is hope in the wishes, the dreams, the shared plans for the future.

There is hope in an identity, grown from two families, two cultures, blended.

There is hope in the anger, the wondering, the unknown.

There is hope in the confusion, the what-ifs, and the questions.

There is hope in the learning, the milestones, the absence.

There is hope in the distance, the barriers, the silence.

There is hope for new beginnings, fresh starts, and blank pages.

There is hope in the love, the loyalty, and the faithfulness of forever.

Where there is adoption, there is family, and there is hope.

This poem was written by Shelley Skuster, a mom via adoption, who believes hope is a thread that connects all members of the adoption triad. Her ultimate hope: That her young children—adopted and biological—know what it means to be loved unconditionally in the arms of their family.

 

Visit AdoptionPoetry.com for more poems about adoption.

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Are you considering placing a child for adoption? Not sure what to do next? First, know that you are not alone. Visit Adoption.org or call 1-800-ADOPT-98 to speak to one of our Options Counselors to get compassionate, nonjudgmental support. We are here to assist you in any way we can.