On November 1, 2011, President Obama made a presidential proclamation declaring November 2011 National Adoption Month in the United States.  In his proclamation, he stated that “Adoption has become a part of many Americans’ lives and has contributed to the character of our Nation.”

Creating a family is something pretty special. It’s an achievement that most adults look back on as the years go by and to say “we did it.” However, for some, becoming a parent is not easy. Many couples face issues with infertility and go through many rounds of treatment in the hopes of one day receiving the news that they are going to be parents. The multiple losses can be devastating.

But there is another way to create a family, and that is through adoption. The foster system in this country is overwhelmed with over 100,000 children of all ages who are waiting for their “forever family.” There is also the option to adopt through private agencies or internationally.

For my family, each year National Adoption Month is always special for us. As an adoptee and an adopter, I am able to celebrate this month with my family knowing that we have a unique bond. We know that we were meant to be together and to be a family. Along with that knowledge, we also have a great appreciation for the sacrifices and unselfish actions other people made along the way so that we could become a family.

Adoption is a celebration of life and family. It is something beautiful that should be recognized not just during National Adoption Month, but each and every day of the year.

If you would like to know more about National Adoption Month, you can click here. You can also visit Central Florida News 13, available exclusively on Bright House Networks, to view a story that was done on a local family who went through adoption this past year.

Do you celebrate National Adoption Month?  Do you have any special adoption stories?