ADOPTED by Jessica Harris

A married couple in Colorado is keeping a secret. They have three beautiful kids; Aimee is the eldest, followed by Bianca, and then Courtney. The couple, Mr. & Mrs. Goldberg kept this secret for 13 years now. Courtney is adopted. She was a replacement for a loss that the couple had. Mrs. Goldberg was pregnant with twins, that was Bianca and they named the kid who died, Brittany. Mrs. Goldberg was so devastated about their loss that it's been 2 years since then, she wasn't moved on. So, the couple decided to adopt another baby girl. Aimee being six years old, and Bianca was two when Courtney arrived. Now they are, 19, 15 and 13. Mrs. Goldberg promised herself that she would tell Courtney the truth when she becomes 13 years old.

Courtney is now 13 years old. Her birthday was 2 weeks ago and Mrs. Goldberg needs to tell the truth. While cooking lunch in the kitchen, Courtney comes down from her bedroom to check if there’s lunch already because she says she’s hungry. This is when Mrs. Goldberg will tell her. She asked Courtney if they can talk in her bedroom, she said yes. They went up in Courtney’s room and Mrs. Goldberg started with this, “I don’t know how to say this. I don’t even know how to start but--” Then Courtney started to cry and say this...

“I know mom. I saw an envelope in your bedroom when I am looking for a needle and thread when my shorts were torn. I was 12 when that happened. I already knew about it. You remember, summer last year when you didn’t know that you did coz I am acting different? That’s the time I read what’s in that envelope but we got in that incident when you were shot by the thieves whom about to shoot me, you cover your whole body so that I won’t get shot. You saved me mom. From there, I knew, even though you’re not my real mom, you will do everything for me just like how you will do for Aimee and Bianca. Besides, I never felt I’m adopted, I never thought of that when I was growing up because you showed me real love. You didn’t treat me different from Aimee and Bianca, you treated us the same. Mom, I want you to know that I am not angry. I know it is hard for you to tell me this and you just waited for me to grow and age enough to understand these things. Your love is enough for me, I don’t want another mother. You’re my mother, even not biological, in heart, you are.”

Mrs. Goldberg started crying as Courtney hugged her. Nothing beats the love of a mother. Adopted or not, your mother loves you wholly. To all the adopted children, always be thankful for everything that your mother does for you. I know there’s a part of you that’s missing but always remember that they choose to love you and treat you the same and it is hard for them as well to tell you the truth. Sometimes, we are ready to hear the truth but aren’t ready to live with it but let us always think of the love, care, and sacrifices that your parents has done for you. Be grateful for everything you have, cherish it while you can.

by: Jessica Harris

your girl with big dreams