Jessica's Story

Adoption: usually when you hear this word, you think that it was a sad/bad thing. In reality, adoption is just the opposite. Adoption gives kids a great sense of belonging, knowing that somebody loves them and wants them. My name is Jessica Lynn, and I was adopted at the age of two years old along with my two brothers. In the following paragraphs, I will tell you my experience and maybe somebody might have a similar experience or feelings that I have or had.

It all started in 1987. This was the year that I was taken in by the family for foster care. The family that I was staying with had four kids of their own already, but yet they treated my two brothers and me just like we were one of their own, although the older kids now say we might have been treated better than they were (jokingly). This family was caring, friendly and more. After staying with them for a while, they decided that they wanted to adopt us. In 1988, my birth parents' rights were terminated, which made it possible for us to be adopted. After the process of all the paperwork for the adoptions was completed, my two brothers and I were adopted in 1989.

This was my experience of being adopted. The feelings that I got out of being adopted were happiness and a great sense of belonging. Adoption is a decision that can change a life forever. You would be surprised how much of a difference you can make in one person's life by providing a life of love and belonging for them. So my advice to people who are thinking about adopting is please do it. It will give that child one more reason to live life and enjoy it. Bring them the sense of belonging and love that I received. You may think that there are too many kids out there that need to be adopted. Or maybe something like, "What difference would I make by adopting one child?" You may not be able to make a big difference to the world, but you can make a big difference to that one child that you decide to adopt. That's what really counts.

Jessica Lynn is 16 years old. She is an honor student and active in her church youth group, soccer, cheerleading, volleyball and tumbling.

This story was originally published March 30, 2003.