Adoption is complicated. Grieving is too.

Grief is intertwined in adoption because at some point in time, a family and a child experienced loss, while another family is built. Let’s continue to normalize that tension, so that others might find the courage and hope to walk through it.

This letter is inspired largely by elements from my own adoption journey, but it’s open enough that I hope it shines some light into yours.

Reposted with permission from adoptee and therapist Cam Lee Small, MS, LPCC. Cam provides adoption-competent therapy, counseling and educational resources for adoptees and adoptive families. Read more of his work on his website.