(Please remember that this is just a piece of my definition of adoption. For my full definition of what adoption is, you can read this whole series of posts here.)

This is my last piece of my definition of what adoption is to me.

Adoption is family.

When I look at my family, I know that it would not exist as it does without adoption. Josh and I would be missing out on so much if it were not for adoption, and most of our children would be living very different lives if it was not for adoption.

Adoption provides a way for children, who have been separated from their first parents and family, to once again belong to a family.

Adoption provides a way for parents who can not have biological children to become parents and build a family.

Adoption is the choice some parents make when deciding how to expand their families.

While there are countless variations, adoption is uniting a child who is alone in the world with parents who desire to have a(nother) child, and creating a family.

I cannot think of much that is more important in life than having a family. Every child has the right to be a part of a loving family where they have love, security and a place to belong. Every child deserves loving parents who can provide for him, keep him safe, teach him, guide him, play with him, and love and cherish him as one of life's greatest blessings.

No child should have to go through life alone, but this world in which we live in is often cruel to children, and many do end up alone. Sometimes parents die. Sometimes parents are abusive and neglectful. Sometimes parents get very, very sick. Sometimes parents live in horribly challenging conditions and can not care for their children. Those children deserve a second chance at life, at happiness and at having a family.

My family and many others have been created through the miracle of adoption. Adoption gave my kids a second chance, and adoption gave me more than I could ever put into words.

Adoption is family.

*** Time is running out!! Today is your last day to participate in the giveaway. I will be announcing the winner tomorrow. If you have not yet participated, make sure you visit this post and enter the fun giveaway for National Adoption Month thanks to Curls.

*Picture by Erin Henderson