Adela was confident, determined, intelligent. College awaited her and she knew she would make something wonderful with her life. Independence awaited also. Adela had been reared by several foster homes, and now turning 18, she was too old for the system. The state would help a little, but essentially she would be entirely on her own. Adela's positive attitude was exceptional, but this is not true for many.
She came to mind after I was reminded by Dawn at Life Line's Journaling that November is National Adoption Month. On average there are 500,000 children in foster care in the United States. At least 100,000 are waiting to be adopted.
Most of us may not be adopting a child. However we can hold these facts in our awareness and love them. Unlike Adela, many children are hard, defiant and rebellious. Some seem unlovable because they require love beyond conditions.
_________
Hatefull eyes glare
anger, despair
kicking, screaming
minuscule tantrum
infinite rage
hopelessness
fear disguised
all carries on
all carries on
victim blamed
one more home
hardened heart
life overlooked
infinite love...
absent.
fear disguised
