Families are like flowers, they bloom in different colors and varieties

This past weekend, Doug and I were escorting Finnegan to two birthday parties and socializing with the other parents in attendance.  It was a great experience because I was able to learn more about each parent who I otherwise pass in the hallway at Finn's daycare. 

There were some same-sex parents, hetero parents, exhausted parents, and proud parents, but most importantly they were loving parents.   For some reason, I didn't feel like interviewing everyone or to start every conversation.  I was much more quiet and because of my posture, I learned more about some special people who are just trying to make the world a better place for their children.

One child, Isaac, has two mommies.  His mothers are soo attentive and cognizant of his special needs.  Isaac has Aspberger's Syndrome.  He has difficulty making eye contact, speaking and socializing, but he does remarkably
well with all the other children.  He was just another kid at the table enjoying pancakes and drinking milk.  I admired his parents for their love and devotion for him.  They knew that he was a special needs child when they adopted him and they are rich with the love that he brings into their lives.

Calen is four and he has just learned to walk and talk.  His parents are both doctors working in Seattle.  Calen is a survivor.  When he was 10 weeks old he was injured by his babysitter which left him paralyzed for over a year, blind and with hearing problems.  But, having seen him on many occasions, I didn't even suspect his challenges.   I always noticed the way that his father kept him close and showered him with hugs and kisses, making me think every time that they had a special relationship.  Now, I know that his father was cherishing Calen's achievements and rewarding his efforts with affection.  His parents are so down-to-earth and happy.  They are remarkable people and I look forward to getting to know them better.

Jacob is a four-year-old spitfire.  His infectious smile is ever present and he's just adorable.  Jacob's parents adopted him when he was four days old.  They said it was a whirlwind experience because they didn't think that it would happen so fast and they weren't ready, but they were so happy and still are.  Jacob is really lucky because he has two wonderful mothers who dote on him and care for him so well. I admire them because they are both scientists doing good in the world and they are just like the rest of us, trying to make the world better for our children.

When we were at Jacob's house, I felt a great sense of peace and acceptance.  For the first time in a long time, I felt like I fit in with this wonderful bunch of people.  As I looked around the room and watched all the women taking care of their children, I realized that women do have a profound impact on each other and the world.  There was no one-up-manship taking place nor was their any sexual rivalry that takes place when the sexes socialize.  I noticed that Doug was even socializing with ease, he's usually very reserved around people he doesn't know. 

If everyone could share the same experience that we did this weekend, there would be fewer people in the world who think that children raised by same-sex parents is wrong.  What children really need is parents who love and care for them regardless of gender.