Beech Tree News Network

Blood Lines and Heart Strings

One of my favorite movies is “The Blind Side” (for obvious reasons if you know the story line), so watching the Super Bowl on Sunday night made Michael Oher’s story, much more real.  Michael was adopted, as a teenager, by Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy.  Oher went on to play college football for the Ole’ Miss Rebels, earned All -American honors, and was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft.  Yes, I cheered on the Ravens and yes, I did the “in your face” gesture to my husband when they won the game!  What I didn’t know was that there was another remarkable young man on the field.
Colin Kaepernick is the quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers’.  He was a 3 sport star athlete (football, baseball and basketball).  In 2009, Kaepernick was drafted in the 43rd round by the Chicago Cubs, but declined the offer to concentrate on football.  He played football for the University of Nevada (Reno) Wolf Pack.  While at Nevada, Kaepernick twice was named the Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year, was the Most Valuable Player of the 2008 Humanitarian Bowl, and was drafted by the 49ers in the second round, with the 36th overall pick, in the 2011 NFL Draft.  He also has a pet turtle that he got when he was 10 years old, that now weighs 115 pounds.  And one other thing, he was adopted as an infant, by Rick and Teresa Kaepernick.
I think one of the funniest (and most ignorant) things I have ever read about children who are adopted is that they usually don’t amount to much.  I bet Mrs. Tuohy and Mrs. Kaepernick would probably disagree with that particular statement, especially sitting in the Super Dome last night watching their sons play against each other.  I can’t help but wonder why someone would think that only biological children can achieve greatness? I mean, really?  As an adoptive parent, I have the same hopes and dreams for my children just as biological parents do.  I want my children to be happy and healthy.  I want them to do well in school.  I want them to be compassionate and empathetic towards their fellow humans.  I want them to stand up for what is right but to also know when to walk away. I want them to put the toilet lid seat down when they are finished.
The Tuohys and the Kaepernicks are extraordinary families but then again, I happen to think that about most adoptive families.  I think what makes adoptive families extraordinary is that they have the ability to love an infant, or a teenager, just because the child deserves to be loved, and they want to give them a fighting chance in this world. 
We may not share the same blood lines with our children but we do share the same heart strings.

Crystabella is a mature and outgoing 16 year old who has recently been working on improving her life skills including budgeting, cleaning, and applying for jobs. She is currently in the 10th grade where she diligently works on her school work. She enjoys school and enjoys learning. She also enjoys socializing with her friends. Crystabella has many accomplishments with equestrian activities including a 1st place win in equestrian riding, 2nd place for horsemanship, and 2nd place as the most enthusiastic rider. Crystabella describes herself as a “shopaholic” and also enjoys movies and eating out. Crystabella has a likeable personality, sense of humor, and love for music. She is empathic towards others and is very creative. She enjoys spending her quiet time reading. Crystabella has a positive personality that needs ongoing support in her life to encourage her successfulness in adulthood. Please consider opening your home and your heart for Crystabella. She deserves a family that will last a lifetime.

C. Denise Lambrianou is the Program Coordinator for Family Enrichment Center-Adoption Resource Program, which is funded in part by a grant from the Cabinet of Health and Family Services, Department of Protection and Permanency and Wendy’s of Bowling Green. If you would like information about becoming a foster or adoptive family, please call (270) 781-6714 x 3 or (866) 842-9032 x 3.