Hope

There are times when I talk with friends about life's challenges when I am told that it is genetics. I have reached a point in my life where I do believe that genetics impacts us more than I previously thought.  It predisposes us to certain behaviors and mannerisms. It can make life very hard for some and easy for others.  Medical conditions, mental health issues and even addictions can be genetic.

However, I also have hope.  If I truly believed that because the parents had their addictions, mental health issues or other challenges that their kids will follow the same path then why would I adopt? What would be the purpose?  Wouldn't it be futile?

No, we adopt because we have hope.

Hope that that strong willed child will go towards something positive versus something negative. That perhaps a mental health issue can be properly medicated so that there isn't a need to self-medicate. That perhaps because they have been in a different environment they might make different choices.  Maybe living a different type of life style will lead to better choices. Possibly having a support group will shortcut bad decisions.

We are not blind to the challenges that genetics can bring. We understand that there will be days that are hard. That there is the possiblity that our children will have the same struggles that their biological parents had.

But, we have hope.

Hope in a better outcome.

Hope in breaking generational issues.

Hope, it keeps us going on hard days.