Fighting For Acceptance

I was born in Bulgaria.

Immediately after my birth, I was placed in an orphanage. It was located in the Romani ghetto. I ended up staying there for the first three years of my life.

I have extremely violent memories that haunt me from my time at the orphanage.

Everyday, I have to fight them.

I have neurodevelopment problems that make it hard for me to process my emotions, allow comfort, feel love, trust, and accept social interaction.

I rock back and forth constantly as a way of stimulation.

When I was adopted, there was no mercy. My name was changed to an American name.

I was expected to learn how to fit in within a family and learn a new language.

I went to physical therapy as a child, but it didn't seem to have much of an impact.

Despite all of the challenges, I am blessed that I made it to America.

My adoptive parents don't allow me to speak about my adoption and have "lost" my adoption documents.

They get angry whenever I have negative thoughts/emotions.

I wish more people understood the need to talk about it, but most people don't understand adoption, especially what it is and how it impacts everyone involved.

There is so much pressure to be the perfect child.

I’m sharing my story because adoptive parents need to understand that children must have time to get adjusted.

Don't physically or verbally abuse them if they don't understand certain things.

Be open to speaking with them regarding adoption.

Be patient.