“Yes, I’m adopted. My folks were not blessed with me in the usual way. But they picked me, they chose me, from all the rest, which is lots more than most kids can say.” ~ Shel Silverstein, Every Thing on It
G has been depressed lately. I often find her staring off into space, and when I ask her how things are going with her, she tells me that she feels sad “for no reason.” I get worried that she might have inherited my dour disposition.
As a result, I have been thinking a lot about adopting. I just have not decided if I will adopt another child, or perhaps rescue a dog. I know, I know. A child and a pet do not compare, but both will require love and attention.
Isn’t love the antidote to depression? I feel for G, living her childhood with just me, and growing up without ever knowing what it is like to have siblings or even a pet to love and bond with her. Because she is an only child and only has me to talk to all the time outside of school, I feel as though she is mature beyond her years, and has skipped much of the innocence and playfulness of childhood.
If we had another child with us, someone she could grow up with, bond with and love, she might not feel sad anymore. I had little time to feel sad when I was growing up because I was too busy playing with, bonding with, and even fighting with my siblings. I want the same for G.
I am also open to rescuing a dog. She loves dogs as much as I do, and it is proven that pets do wonders for one’s health and emotional being.
Whether I decide to adopt another child or rescue a dog, both will add to my already stressful and hectic lifestyle. But I am willing to endure whatever additional hardship it will bring to my life because I know that love is always worth it.