I’m a little agitated today. Not only did I forget to post today (until now), but someone parked in front of my mailbox today and the mail wasn’t delivered. Grrr. I was expecting pictures that I ordered today.

Okay, so beyond my frustration, I’ve been thinking about stories again today. In particular, I’ve been thinking about “when you were born” stories. My friend is going to have her baby tomorrow. I’m very excited. It’s her third child. She has a girl and a little boy already... I made sure I was on her calling list and she promised me that I am.

I never missed not having a “when you were born” story. I loved my “when you arrived” story. How many kids can tell their friends that they came on a 747?

While I reveled in this difference, I can see how disturbing it could be for other Korean adoptees. Birth is the very beginning of everything and the desire for knowledge is a part of being human. I think it’s so important for the parents of Korean adoptees to be ready for their child to show interest in learning about their birth and their birth parents. You can’t just be ready to mouth the words, you have to be ready to roll up your sleeves and jump right in.

When a Korean adoptee decides to search, it isn’t a repudiation of all the years that you spent loving them and being the parents. For most, it seems to be something that they need to do and they want their parents (the adopted ones) to be right there with them.

I lack experience in this subject. I still don’t feel the urge to learn my “when you were born” story and my sister shows no inclination in that direction either. What I wonder is if my son will have a different perspective. Today, the records are more detailed and the possibilities of a reunion so much greater. I have to wonder if some of my disinterest comes from the knowledge that there is very little hope for me…

If you would like to comment, but not on this site, please feel free to e-mail me at adoptkoreablog@adoptionmail.com.