Sunday, February 08, 2009

All I wanted was to finish grocery shopping!

So, after church I took the girls to the grocery store. We usually go Fridays after school or Saturdays after Hannah's dance class. But we had other things going on this weekend and didn't get to it. So - after church it was. I knew it wasn't a great time to go - it was nap time for Sadie. But we didn't need too much and I thought "let's just get it done while we're out". So, I'm pushing the cart (Winn Dixie has new carts by the way...and their "car" carts aren't as big as they used to be so it's great!) and trying to get through the list quickly..when uh-oh, sweet looking older woman is staring at us. Not unfriendly stares...she smiles and says hello. I smile and answer hello and keep looking at the apples I'm deciding on. I don't really want a friendly chat at the moment, I want to get done quickly and get home before the "window of opportunity" for nap time fades away or before someone melts down from being tired. But, sweet looking lady moves in closer and strikes up a conversation with the girls. They tend to draw attention sometimes. When they both glance at her, here's how the conversation goes.

lady: oh, I thought they were twins for a minute. (Hannah is WAY bigger than Sadie by the way). I can see now that they're not.
me: (smile) no, not twins. (move on to the bananas)
lady: (follows us)..No, they're not twins are they?
me: no. This one (pointing to Hannah) is older.
Hannah: She's younger. I'm five and she's three.
lady: How old are you? (to Hannah who just shared that)
Hannah: 5
lady: and how old is the other one?
me: 3 (seeing where this might be headed, I try to move on)
Hannah: (friendly, but no clue where this is going...) We're sisters!
lady: oh, they're sisters?
me: yes.
lady: REALLY? They're really sisters?
me: yes.
lady: I bet you adopted them!
me: yes, I did.
lady: (very smug look on her face) I could tell..I just thought you had.
me: (thinking to myself "gee, is it that obvious I'm not chinese?") keeps silent and smiles and starts off again.
lady: Do they know they're adopted?
me: um..they do now thanks to you. (JUST KIDDING - I didn't say that one, just thought it) yes, they do. Girls, tell the nice lady to have a good day.
Hannah and Sadie: Have a good day
lady: wait..did you get them at the same time?
me: (Hannah's listening..she knows the truth so I decide to be honest) no
lady: But you said they were sisters.
me: They are. Bye (fake smile and walk away quickly!)

I mean really! So, for those who need to know (mostly strangers who will never read this blog..not the people who do read it..but oh well.)

Yes, Hannah and Sadie are adopted.
Yes, they know they are adopted. (Hannah knows, Sadie doesn't understand the word "adopted" yet but she does know she's from China)
Yes, they are my daughters.
Yes, they are my REAL daughters.
Yes, Hannah and Sadie are sisters.
Yes, they are REALLY sisters.

And for the record, I am their only parent. I have only one set of parents. Yet, they have more than one set of grandparents. My only sibling (a brother) doesn't have any children. Yet Sadie and Hannah have three cousins.

Hope that answers all the questions out there! Except of course, most of those questions come from complete strangers like I said..not the wonderful friends or follow adoptive moms who read here. oh well..

And I really don't mind answering quetions..it's just that sensitive questions should be asked outside of my kids' hearing..and by people who either have a reason for asking (like if you want to adopt - you can ask me anything!) or at least by people who know me well enough to ask personal questions. (At the minimum I should at least know your name!)

Rant over. Have a good afternoon!

5 comments:

Sherri said...

I am so with you on this one! Olivia is 5 and Mia is 3 and I get the same questions! It's so annoying.

Especially the "real sisters" question. That one really gets my goat.

But seriously, asking if they know they're adopted--IN FRONT OF THEM!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe it.

sherri

The Ferrill's said...

Rant on friend, you're in a safe place remember? ;)
I'm living it too DeEtte!
And it's wonderful!!!!!! I've decided I'm going to print off a "tract" of sorts to give to people about our story of our little miracles. We have some friends who were foster parents and always got asked questions about all their kids. So the mom typed out a testimony of their call to be foster parents; it is just a sweet little piece of paper that glorifies God in a BIG way. She handed it to people like the one you encountered in the grocery store: who were asking questions and curious. Her hopes are that they read the story and see the glory of God in their family. I love the idea. The title of her little story is "Yes, they're all mine!"
Anyway, I've been reading your posts and really wanted to comment on the surgery updates. Those were so awesome to see and I truly cannot thank you enough for all the info and pictures and such! I would love another update on Sadies little hand, DeEtte!
We missed the CNY celebration, too. Glad you got to celebrate with the other families! We need to do more with the group, I know!
Miss you friend! Would love to catch up!
Love,
Laine

Tricia said...

DeEtte!

At least she didn't ask how much they cost! I mean really lady, back off. You handled it well. We know that Hannah can hold her own too so watch out some day...

I'm still in Orlando! I WANT TO COME HOME!!! It has been a month but will be returning on Feb. 20. I would love to come see those cuties when I come home! Take care,

Tricia

Anonymous said...

Just be glad she didn't ask you if they could speak English?? LOL. I love that question! I don't know why but I am always shocked of people's stupidity and it's usually people who look like they should know better!
Enjoy those precious girls! and don't worry about ignorant people!
Hugs,
KL and Q

I was just looking at Q's gotcha pics this am and found a couple of her and Hannah. Boy how they've changed and it seems like yesterday!

The Ferrill's said...

Hey DeEtte! Let me know what day you're driving through and we'll make a date!!!!!!!