We took a vacation to the happiest place on Earth. It was fantastic. But, by the end of the week kids get a bit tired and sometimes grumpy.
My 9yo was having one of these moments when he declared, “You aren’t even my parents. I am an orphan. Right ___(brother), we are orphans.”
My heart sank. Then my blood boiled. Middle 9yo has reactive attachment disorder. He may say these hurtful things sometimes. I need to learn to not let it bother me.
But, I was furious he tried to include the youngest in this declaration. He never questions we are his parents. He is secure in who he is, even within his adoption story.
It was incredibly difficult for me to finish out the evening.
I am 9yo parent, whether he likes it or not. I fought hard in a broken system to try to protect him. He is incredibly difficult most of the time. Yet, we persisted and we pursued making him our legal son. I may not always LIKE him. But I do LOVE him.
Realistically, dealing with his RAD, I will likely deal with this many more times in the future. That doesn’t make it easier though. Each time cuts deep.