A Second Chance

Adopting an orphan is to give them a second chance of a family. I first learned the word “orphan” when I was very young—I believe it was at my mother’s funeral. Another child, lacking the discretion of an adult, told me I was an orphan by one parent because my mother had passed away. I felt embarrassed; the word “orphan” sounded awful to me. However, I would soon meet other orphans who would become my friends.

After my mother passed away, life moved on. My father had to return to work, and while he worked, my sister and I stayed at the home of a lovely woman who was also a foster mother. I loved being there. She offered delicious snacks and had an entertainment room with the largest TV I had ever seen. Next to the TV was a shelf full of Disney movies on VHS. I can’t recall the woman’s name, but I remember the other children, especially her daughter, Ana, who became my best friend. The family had adopted Ana, and I thought about how lucky she was to have such a wonderful home. She had been given a second chance at having a family.

My stepmother, who has no biological children, decided that my sister and I would be her daughters. Adjusting to a new mother was difficult, and our relationship has had rocky moments. However, I have to admit that she brought the delicate touch of a mother into our home, teaching me what I know in the kitchen and guiding me through the chaos of puberty. Over time, I learned to love her, and she has become an important part of my life.

We don’t see orphans wandering the streets of New York City, but in 2023, the average number of children in foster care in New York City was 6,505. Nowadays, adoption has become easier for interested families, but the demand never matches the offer. Many children grow into adulthood without ever being adopted. When I express my desire to adopt, people often voice concerns about the risks of an adopted child becoming an addict or struggling with mental health issues. I’ve heard bad stories, but ultimately, we cannot control if a child chooses to embrace love and care. Throughout history, remarkable orphans grew up to achieve success and give back to society. One of them was the founder of Apple, Steve Jobs. His biological mother, Joanne Schieble, gave him up for adoption because her father opposed her relationship with his father, Abdulfattah “John” Jandali.  Paul and Clara Jobs adopted Steve, his adoptive parents made him feel special and therefore he never felt abandoned. When it was time, they paid for his college tuition. The Jobs couple never imagined how far Steve would go, they offered him an opportunity and Steve embraced it.

I understand that not everyone can take on the responsibility of adopting a child. Still, there are many ways to help. Donating to charitable organizations, volunteering with local NGOs, or simply raising awareness are all meaningful contributions. We shouldn’t underestimate the power of small actions to change an orphan’s life. They all deserve a second chance for love and caring.