Yes, They're All Mine!

I have 5 kids. I know because I take a head count every time a waitress asks, "How many in your party?". It really doesn't seem like a big deal until a curious bystander asks, "are they ALL yours?". Lately, I've been annoyed by those oh-so-witty observers who've brilliantly deduced that, "they don't look alike". Right, is there an award for: My mama ain't never teach me no tact! If there is, I'd like to order a case. I don't know, maybe the media's to blame since families are usually portrayed in a one-dimensional order (Mom, Dad, 2 children, living life).

As I explain to Ms. Trying-To-Be-Nice-But-Just-Plain-Nosy that some of my children are adopted, I'm overcome with a sense of regret. With the general public breathing down my neck in the grocery line, I feel the obligation to dispel the accusations that play in my head... Somehow, by explaining my "noble" choices of adoption, I'm not involved in a "condemnable" game of musical daddies. But, I realize that while I dodge the arrows of scrutiny at the check out counter, I myself, fling dagers of judgment on other moms trying to do right by their kids. Besides, who am I trying to impress? First hand experience teaches me that life doesn't fit neatly in a box labeled PERFECT.

In our rudely interrupted public appearances, I've realized that you can never take a person for face value. We all have a story. I don't have to explain myself for what I believe to be your approval. Or step on you so that I can boost myself up. I know my story and, "Yes, They're ALL Mine!"