Like many families built through adoption, our story is complex. It is full of love, joy, gratitude, and also grief, longing, and complicated feelings that don’t always fit neatly into greeting cards or holiday calendars.

To other adoptive, kinship, and customary caregivers, I want to say this: you are not alone. Openness is a journey, and it looks different for every family. Trust your instincts, listen to your children, and give yourself grace. You’re doing the best you can, and that is enough.