Sooooo -- on another blog, I was just told that "The natural state of childhood is lack of choice."
This was in reference to comments I posted about my desire to have my adoption annulled. Of course, other respondents gave me the same, tired, suggestions that I've heard so many times before:
- Just change your name
- Just find someone else to adopt you
Ugh.
I'm 58 years old, folks! I don't WANT to be re-adopted. Even if I DID, I'm too damned old.
And I've already changed my name through the courts, thank you very much. That doesn't change the fact that the people listed on my birth certificates as my "parents" are not, and shouldn't be granted that title. The knowledge that when I die, their names will also go on my death certificate? Infuriating.
Here's the thing. Let's suppose that once you got married, the law said you couldn't get divorced unless you were going to immediately marry someone else. Once you said "I do," single life is no longer an option for you. Ever.
Does that sound right to you?
That's what adoption is, except the initial choice (the contract) isn't something you agree to -- others made the decision for you.
Here's perhaps a better analogy. Suppose, when you're born, your parents decide that you should marry someone they've picked out for you. They sign a contract stating that you will marry John (or Jane) on a specific date, and John's (or Jane's) parents sign a similar contract saying their child will marry you.
Should you be bound by that contract? I'm pretty sure you'll say no. And why? Because someone else is determining your future for you, without allowing you to have any say in the matter.
Ahem. Just like adoption.
But adoption is OK because "The natural state of childhood is lack of choice," right?
Right.
