Everyone has a unique story that they are proud to tell, no matter how many times it’s been told.
For me personally, my unique story is being adopted from Cebu, Philippines.
I am part of a sibling group of four who was given a second chance in life. My twin sister and I were four years old, my older brother at six years old, and my elder sister at seven and a half years old. Being adopted was a unique and life-changing experience for my siblings and me.
Our adoption journey brought a mix of emotions, from excitement and anticipation to fear and uncertainty. Even for my parents, this opportunity to adopt from a foreign country brought the same joy, anticipation, anxiety, and unknown.
In the end, being adopted provided a better life and greater opportunities for my siblings and me. Even though we were young, we would have never thought it possible to be given a second chance outside of our birth country.
Cebu, a province in the central region of the Philippines, is home to a rich culture and history. It is known for its beautiful beaches, historical landmarks, and warm, hospitable people. However, for some children growing up in Cebu, life can be challenging. Poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, and other factors can make life difficult for children and their families. This was our childhood. We were very poor and lacked a stable home life. My biological parents found it difficult to provide for us and made the difficult decision to give us up for adoption. The Cebu Shelter found it in their hearts to take all four of us at once.
Our adoption file took my parent’s breath away while searching for the perfect children to call their own. My mother was in tears reading our story and ultimately decided she wanted ALL four of us and refused to have us separated. Even to this day, she would tell our story with high emotion. She tells how adopting changed her and my father’s life for the better. This is where adoption can make a difference.
Adoptive families from around the world offer a loving, stable environment for children who may otherwise not have access to basic needs and opportunities. This is exactly what my parents did for my siblings and me. They would tell us stories of how we practically lived at the Cleveland Clinic for the first few years in America. My twin sister needed surgery on both of her eyes and ear. We were all very malnourished and constantly getting sick. Bless my parents’ hearts. Because of them, we had access to America’s fine education, healthcare, and resources that were not possible for us back in the Philippines.
I am forever grateful for them both. They opened their arms so wide that so much love was shown and is still being shown from this day on. We celebrate our family’s birthday, September 18th, every single year. It has been 27 years since my life has been changed for the better, and I cannot imagine my life without my siblings, parents, and all my family and friends who have made such a huge impact and difference!
