Our Adoption Experience Was Amazing, So Why Do I Feel Guilty?

Before adopting Madelyn I read everything I could about adoption, attachment, etc. I read so many blogs and articles that I finally had to stop. I was overly prepared for the worst. I was prepared for a little girl that would want nothing to do with us and scream and cry all of the time.I wasn't expecting a happy experience.There was no fairytale in my mind.

My worst nightmare did not happen. Our daughter came to our family with a smile on her face and singing our names! It was a surreal and amazingly blessed experience.After going upstairs to our hotel room, Madelyn cried for about 15-20 minutes, and then it was over.

Now I am by no means saying that our experience has been perfect. Madelyn was well loved by her foster family and was definitely the center of attention! In our house, she has had to learn how be a part of a family which includes not always being the center of attention.

When we came home, however, I found myself feeling guilty about blogging about our adoption experience. I actually felt guilty that our adoption went well. So many families struggle with grief, attachment, medical issues and more. Their stories of faith are amazing, and their passion for adoption through their struggles are again, amazing. How could I be of help to anyone adopting? How could I support them when I couldn't relate? It may also sound strange, but I didn't want to hurt anybody's feelings.

I have really struggled to blog since we have been home because of this. But, I know this can't continue.God has given us a precious gift in Madelyn. 1 Peter 4:10 says, "Each of you has been blessed with one of God's many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well."

Our adoption story is not "worthless." I hope that my posts will honor the gift we have been given and inspire more to take that step of faith into adoption!

This picture was taken with an old digital Cannon Sure Shot.