Last week, we were meeting A for lunch and we were trying to find a spot to park. I am ALWAYS running late. I don't like that I am and I really do try to change but it never seems to happen. So of course, A was probably already waiting and we couldn't find a spot anywhere...but then we found one right next to the elevator. As I was pulling in, I notice it had a sign marked "expectant mother"....This is a new sign, I have been to this garage for years and never noticed it. I am not sure what prompted the city to post it but I thought, "well, I am an expectant mother. Right?? I am just not carrying him/her in my belly but I AM still expecting!" So I decided to park in the designated spot. I felt a little guilty parking there because I know when they posted it, they probably had no intention of saving the spot for an soon-to-be adoptive mother. But at the same time, I felt like I should be able to park there because I am an expectant mother!
I still go back and forth on whether or not I should have parked there. At lunch, after I parked in "the spot", we were talking about it and it came up again that when they posted the sign, they meant if for expectant mothers of biological children. And honestly, that makes me sad. really sad. When will the term "expectant mother" mean more than a woman carrying her biological child? When someone mentions that someone is "expecting", when will we ask "through adoption, foster or biologically??"
When will a soon-to-be adoptive mother be know as an "expectant mother"??? I am an expectant mother. I am expecting.
Just because my son or daughter is not in my womb does not make it any less amazing, miraculous or wonderful. Just because this sweet bean was born in another country to another woman (his/her mom) doesn't make him or her any less special. This sweet bean was meant for us and no matter HOW he/she comes to us, it is OUR child just the same as o-boy
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Amen, girl! You absolutely should park in every single expectant mother spot available. I will say, though, if you see a lady who is 8 months pregnant, go ahead and let her have it... she probably needs it so not to go into premature labor. However, adoptive mommies still experience similar exhaustion often associated with "expecting." Babies R' Us has the same signs, and I park in them EVERY time. Dang right, I'm expecting! I've been expecting for 11 months now. LOL!
ReplyDeleteIn all seriousness though, others not affiliated with adoption do consider pregnant mommies equal to expectant mommies while failing to consider adoptive mommies as well. I got a hurtful comment the other day: "Well, you just wait.. the second you bring that boy home, you'll get pregnant. It always happens that way!!" In my mind, I thought... but I don't want to be pregnant. She assumed I was having trouble conceiving; therefore, I chose to adopt. That's not it at all. We can conceive bio kids, but God has called us to this journey. Like you said, "Just b/c this sweet bean was born in another country to another woman doesn't make him any less special." He IS our son. God did the choosing, and we rejoice in that fact everyday!
Whew! I'm pretty sure this is the longest comment I've ever left period, but something about your post struck a cord!!
Talk to you soon friend!
I've had the same thoughts many times!
ReplyDeleteSeriously. If they want to reserve the spot for pregnant women, they should call it "Pregnant Woman" parking...
ReplyDelete