| Since its 1976 proclamation as National Adoption | | | | a concern about hearing loss, but to me his |
| Month in Massachusetts [1], November has remained | | | | "specialness," was in the sweet way he clung to me |
| a part of our National tradition as a time to celebrate | | | | when I picked him up, the curl of his bright hair, his |
| the gift of love. A little over fifteen years ago, such | | | | incredibly large, luminous eyes. I have to admit, that it |
| a gift was given to me when my seven-day-old son | | | | took a little while for me to realize what I was being |
| was placed in my arms. | | | | told, and when I fully understood, the impact hit me |
| As I gazed into the face of my new son, I could not | | | | like nothing had before. |
| have imagined that a mere twelve hours later, I | | | | Special Needs. What does it mean in relation to |
| would fall completely, irrevocably in love. I could not | | | | adoption? A child is considered special needs if: they |
| have comprehended that this "Son of My Soul" [2], | | | | are an older child, usually over five-years-of age; a |
| would capture my heart completely and forever hold | | | | part of a sibling group where the local Children's |
| it captive. | | | | Services is trying to keep brothers and sisters |
| I have often been asked the question, "Do you ever | | | | together; a minority or of mixed race; physically |
| wish you had a child of your own?" I'm sure the | | | | challenged, such as my son; children considered to be |
| quizzical look on my face must have baffled such | | | | at risk, like those born to drug-addicted mothers or |
| interrogators until they heard my response: "But I | | | | who have been abused or neglected; mentally or |
| have!" It seems to many, that a magical contribution | | | | emotionally disabled because of inherited conditions or |
| of DNA is all that can make someone yours, but that | | | | resulting from abuse. Special Needs. Shouldn't that |
| is not so. Life together, commitment and love, work | | | | translate to Special Love? |
| their own magic. | | | | On the practical side, Special Needs could mean |
| I also often hear, "I'd love to adopt a baby, but I | | | | Special Expenses. In the case of special needs |
| just don't think that I will feel the same towards an | | | | adoption, when conducted through your county |
| adopted child as I would had I given birth," to which I | | | | Children's Services, many times there are no fees. |
| can only reply, "Then I feel sorry for your husband. | | | | Therapies and medical expenses are often covered, |
| He doesn't carry the child. I guess he can't love any | | | | and frequently help is offered for schooling such as |
| children you have as his own." But you can find love | | | | tutoring. |
| through adoption, and through Special Needs | | | | Special Needs. A way to open up your life, your |
| Adoption, you can find a deep and satisfying love | | | | home, your soul to a child who needs a family. An |
| with the added knowledge that you are helping a | | | | opportunity to finally form that family you forgot |
| child who is desperately waiting for a home, is in | | | | about on your way up the corporate ladder. Or |
| great need of an advocate...is urgently waiting....for | | | | maybe just a chance to finally fill that empty space in |
| love. | | | | your heart, which has been waiting for someone |
| I remember the first time I was told that my son | | | | special. |
| was considered "special needs." "Really?" I queried. I | | | | Special Needs. Indeed: Special Love, Special Memories, |
| was confused. Why would he be considered so? Yes, | | | | a Special Family for a very Special Child. |
| he was born with cleft lip and palate, and there was | | | | |