I’m half adopted and one of my son’s is adopted. I was born in England and my parents divorced when I was 1. I never knew my birth dad until my 40’s. My mom remarried an American serviceman when I was 5 leaving England and moving to CA. I never really considered Pops a stepdad as he jumped into the role and took me as his own. I never really thought of myself as adopted but also didn’t associate with the nuclear family concept either. My Latino stepdad did adopt me and my birth dad did relinquish his right, but where did I fit in? In 2008 my wife and I, after years of trying, finally had a boy. Infertility issues brought up so many questions of health/heredity. After many failures we gave up trying for a 2nd child and looked @ adoption. At the same time, I decided to find my birth dad. I lost several people in 2010-11 I realized life is short and wanted no regrets. I met my birth dad in Feb 2011. It was uncanny on how much we had in common and  made plans to meet again. 5 months later I returned to England with my 2.5yr old son, my wife and even brought my mom along. We met at my aunt’s house where I saw my mom and birth dad together for the first time. My son and wife met my birth dad. It was surreal. He also brought his two daughters (my half sisters). They looked just like me! One sister announced she was pregnant. Just then the adoption agency called and a young pregnant mom had chosen us to adopt her unborn son.  He’s now almost 13 and looks more like me than my full blood son. Life has a funny way of working out. We got the family we always wanted. Two boys, one from lots of drugs, the other from lots of love, answered prayers and never giving up hope. I gained another Dad and two more sisters (5 total). Are they all half-sisters? Are my two dads stepdads? I don’t care. I consider myself fortunate. Family is those that love you whether they are full blood, half blood or none at all. I also feel qualified to be an adoptive parent. I share my journey with my son often. Our son’s adoption is open and he knows that he will meet his birth mom someday and I know our healthy approach to adoption will help. @idguy67 #theinnocentpeopleproject #adopteevoices