It seems to me that life is made up of several "members only" types of groups. One is only granted membership to these groups after a significant life-changing event has occured. Going from boyfriend and girlfriend to husband and wife is an example of one of these changes. A more noticable group membership happened after James was born. Suddenly Michael and I found ourselves as new members in one of the most significant members-only groups that life has to offer. We were parents. We were in the know. Daily tasks and events took on new meaning. Our social circle changed, as our closest friends became other parents. We felt like we had arrived.
I imagine other groups may include events such as obtaining certains degrees and/or employement, becoming grandparents, and losing a parent or a spouse. Every significant life change brings you into a new world of people who share similiar experiences.
It has been no surprise to me that adoption is one of these groups. Ever since we have officially announced our adoption and have made significant progress towards completing it, we have found ourselves flooded with warmth and love from people who have gone down this road before us. People have called and emailed out of the blue saying, "I am a friend of so-and-so and they told me about your adoption. We just completed an adoption and if you have any questions I would love to talk to you." It has been amazing to me how many people that I see on a regular basis who have come up and said, "You know, my son (or daughter) is adopted." People are always ready to offer their support and tell us about their experience.
These kinds of groups give life more meaning because you are sharing the membership with people who can relate to the experience. A common bond is formed within the group, even if the people are strangers. It kind of makes me wonder what other groups I will join throughout my life.
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