The concept of gratitude in the context of adoption can be deeply personal and often varies among adopted individuals based on their unique experiences and circumstances. While some may feel grateful for being adopted, leading to a stable and loving environment, others might struggle with feelings of loss, abandonment, or identity issues, complicating their feelings about their adoption journey.

General View on Gratitude in Adoption

The feelings of adopted individuals toward their adoption can be quite diverse. Some view adoption positively, appreciating the opportunities and support they received from adopted families, such as a stable home, education, and emotional support. These individuals might feel a deep sense of gratitude for the loving environment in which they grew up.

Others, however, might experience feelings of loss and abandonment. They might feel grateful for their adoptive family but simultaneously sorrowful about their birth family or the circumstances that led to their adoption. This duality of emotions can be complex and challenging to navigate.

Personal Experiences and Challenges

For some adopted individuals, the societal and religious influences can make the concept of gratitude challenging. These factors can make women feel shame for becoming pregnant, leading to coercion and manipulation in giving up their child.

For instance, societal and religious practices often praise individuals who adopt infants, leading to a perception of heroism. The language around adoption, such as phrases like 'We got an angel from heaven!' or 'What those so-and-so's did for that poverty-stricken little ragamuffin,' can create an atmosphere where gratitude is expected and perhaps even demanded.

However, the reality of the situation for many adopted individuals is far from positive. The idea of gratitude crumbles when faced with experiences of abuse, neglect, and systemic failures. For some, adoption was not a result of loving intentions but rather a monetary transaction. This can be exceedingly difficult for those who endured abuse in their adoptive homes.

The personal experiences of one individual, who was adopted for a sum of $200.00, is a stark example of the dark side of adoption. The emotional and physical abuse, gaslighting, and manipulative behavior they encountered highlight the complexity of feelings that can arise in the aftermath of such experiences.

Concluding Thoughts

The feelings of gratitude or lack thereof in the context of adoption are multifaceted and can be influenced by a variety of factors. For many adopted individuals, the journey involves navigating a range of emotions, from gratitude to sorrow, from appreciation to despair. The reality of their experiences can often challenge the societal narratives surrounding adoption, forcing a deeper examination of the complexities involved.

It is crucial to acknowledge and validate the diverse feelings of adopted individuals, recognizing that their experiences are deeply personal and can be influenced by their age at adoption, the openness of their adoption, their relationship with both adoptive and birth families, and their own personal experiences and development.