November is one of my favorite months for many reasons. To start, here in Florida the weather begins to change, somehow announcing that Christmas is approaching.
Daylight Saving Time is over, which makes the sun rise earlier, and I, being what is called a "morning person," take much more advantage of this schedule.
Since the sun rises earlier, I can enjoy my morning coffee more, and because night arrives faster, I feel like it gives me more time to rest on weekdays.
This month in the United States we celebrate Thanksgiving, definitely my favorite holiday. I love it very much because it is not based on gifts but rather invites us to reflect and give thanks.
And, a few years ago I discovered that November is also National Adoption Month in the United States 💛.
Before our adoption journey, I had no idea there was something called National Adoption MonthTo be honest, not even during the process did I know that there was a month dedicated to celebrating adoption.
I remember it was some time later, on my visits to Pinterest, when I came across a post that talked about this month. And as you can imagine, I loved it! At the time it seemed like a very sweet thing to me, but I confess that I still didn't 100% understand its importance.
With the years, and with everything I have experienced as mom through adoption, today I find a much deeper meaning in it. Not only is it a special month because of its significance, but it is also an opportunity to honor, educate, and celebrate this process that unites paths, makes dreams come true, and is based on love.
For those who are not familiar with this date, I want to take the opportunity to share a little of its history.
National Adoption Month actually started as a week. In 1976, the then-governor of Massachusetts, Michael Dukakis, proclaimed a special week to promote adoption and raise awareness about the need for families for children in the government's temporary care system, known as foster care.
The initiative became known nationally. Other states followed Massachusetts' example and began to celebrate Adoption Week. Until 1984, when President Ronald Reagan officially declared National Adoption Week. (read more)
With time, they realized that a week was not enough to honor adoption, and that is when President Bill Clinton in 1995 decided to proclaim the entire month of November as National Adoption Month.
Celebrating this month is not just about festivities; it is also an opportunity to raise awareness about everything that adoption entails and to recognize those who, day after day, do their part in the search for the well-being of children and families: social workers, counselors, employees of non-profit organizations, and so many other people who make it possible for more children to find a safe and loving home.
This month also invites us to reflect on the government's temporary care system, better known as the foster care system. Adoptuskids.org estimates that there are more than 400,000 children who are part of the foster care system in the United States, who are still on the path of searching for their permanent home. Their forever family..
This month also serves as an invitation to everyone, those who have been touched by adoption, those who have a family member or friend who has been, or simply those who want to learn more about the topic, to talk about adoption with love, normalize it, and celebrate it for what it truly is: one of the most beautiful ways to form a family.
November reminds us that adoption is much more than a legal procedure; it is an act of love, faith, and hope that transforms lives. Every adoption story is unique, every family is a miracle, a reason to be thankful and celebrate.
Happy National Adoption Month!
Melli
