Lorne and Kathy Jackson's decision to adopt Susan was a family affair. The couple lived on a farm in northeastern B.C. Already with them were Derrick and Pat, two foster children in their early teens, and the Jackson's seven-year-old son, Brent.
When Lorne and Kathy started thinking about adopting a child, they discussed it with the others. "We had family meetings where we got things out on the table," says Lorne. The two older boys wanted to remain living with the Jacksons until adulthood but they chose not to be formally adopted. Brent wanted a sister. The family decided on a younger child so that "everyone could keep their place." Eight months later they brought Susan home. She was almost 2.
"We kept all the boys very informed," says Kathy. "We let them know they were a part of this. It worked wonderfully. The transition was very smooth."
Susan quickly got used to the freedom that country living provides. "Now she wants to do everything herself," observes Lorne. "Every day you can see something new she has learned. It's like watching a butterfly come out of the cocoon. It's hard to remember a time when she wasn't here."
All the Jacksons are now used to having "girl toys around the house". Susan participates in an infant development program and Lorne and Kathy are clearly proud of the fact that their youngest is now about 6 months ahead in her development. The family is thrilled with the support they've received from their church and the social worker involved with the adoption.
Lorne and Kathy both commented on the merits of a public adoption: lots of information on the child's background, supportive social workers and minimal cost. "People think you don't have choices with a public adoption but you do," observes Lorne. "The government had made this a priority. Now it only takes about as long to adopt as it does to have your own baby."
*For privacy reasons, names are fictitious.
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