On February 14, 1993 my life changed forever. I would no longer be known as Kayla Marie
Acker but rather Kayla Marie Welch. Two of the most wonderful and loving people
took me into their life and made me one of their own, part of their family,
their daughter. They changed my life for the better and, because of what they
have done, I have been able to achieve my dreams and be loved like no other.
November is the beginning of Adoption Awareness Month. Many
people when they hear the term “adoption,” relate it to the famous film “Annie.”
However, that is not an accurate portrayal of adoption. Adoption is a very
emotional journey. It is a long legal process where children, who will no longer be raised
by their birth parents, become permanent and legal members of another family
while still possessing the genetics and developmental traits of their birth
family.
Since I was adopted, like other children, I know it’s an
ongoing emotional process. Many children, like myself, go through a lot of emotions
such as feeling unwanted, questions about their birth family, identity
problems, and self-esteem issues. Although, many different issues occur to
children who are adopted, it is always brighter at the end of the rainbow and
you can get through it!
It wasn’t until this past summer that I actually shared my story
with others. I used to be embarrassed and ashamed of being adopted. I thought
that I was a freak, a misfit, and my parents didn’t want me. Since I found out
that I was adopted when I was fifteen, telling people I was adopted was
something that I kept to myself, but now I share my story. I let others know
that whatever you are going through, you can get through it. All that is unique
about you just makes you that much more beautiful a part of the world. So
embrace your differences and share your story!
Wear your purple and represent Adoption Awareness Month!
- Kayla Welch
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