130 HAWAII PARENT March/April 2024 was even more grateful for this to go into effect. While I did not know my biological mother, I know she loved me enough to make a decision that is painful for many mothers all over the world. She gave me up for the betterment of my life. Incidentally, she named me “Dream.” If you are unsure whether or not to adopt a child, consider how it will affect him or her, or even them! While the data may give us information on adoption and foster care, the children who are involved are more than just a number. As many of us can agree, it may be so difficult to be unable to call two people your parents in a forever home. To most, family is an important part of a fulfilling and loving life. In Hawaii, ohana is a fundamental element that many can say they have. Ohana is something that can be achieved through not only blood or biology but love and acceptance. experience with adoption, I can tell you that it is an amazing gift to give to a child who truly needs it. My parents once told me that “a biological baby is made in the womb; an adopted baby is made in the heart,” the older I get the more I believe it to be true. I was born six weeks prematurely with many physical and emotional setbacks. Being born prematurely, I was unable to hear for about 6 weeks after birth. With that came torticollis, anemia, an umbilical hernia and much more. Despite it all, my parents decided to bring me into their home and love me just as their own child. It was and is a special love that needed proper care and consideration because I had physical setbacks. While I don’t know how this special love is acquired, I know it is something that parents, especially mine, offer. Not only was my biological mother glad to see me go to a loving hale (home), she Adoption is a life-changing experience that can have an incredible impact on everyone involved in the process. “My parents once told me that ‘a biological baby is made in the womb; an adopted baby is made in the heart’.”
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