Simone Biles' Adoption Story Is Like Many Others, Including My Family's | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

Simone Biles' Adoption Story Is Like Many Others, Including My Family's

Sometimes they turn into mom and dad, and if we are lucky they end up being our saving grace.

94
Simone Biles' Adoption Story Is Like Many Others, Including My Family's
Snappa Static Press Association

There is no surprise that the Olympics is on every American's TV or computer lately. It is also no surprise that we are learning about our favorite athletes as they compete, and their private lives coming to light on the newscast every night. One of the biggest being Simone Biles. The girl who was adopted, but taking the gymnastics world by storm. But then again there is always the negative people, and those people are bashing her grandparents or "mom and dad" to her because it is not "real" adoption.

Step back to six years ago in my life. I was a freshman in high school, my older brother was 24 and I was living like an only child. However, little did I know my life was about to change.. for the better. God placed my wonderful nephew into our lives full time. My brother wasn't in a state to care for a child, and the mother of the child was in and out of jail for serious charges. I remember my mom and dad applying for joint custody with the other grandparents. I then remember the judge granted my parents full custody of a babbling, waddling, one year old. It was such a shock, we didn't even own a carseat for him yet. But after that day I could not imagine my life without Jack. Three years later we still had Jack, but scared to death that one day his real mom would get out of jail and take him back. Because in America, she could do that. No matter how bad of a person she is. We went ahead with the adoption process. We went back and forth with lawyers, papers were sent back and forth between us and the prison, and a lot of praying was done. That January, Jack was officially adopted, and happier than ever.

If someone came up to me and told me that my parents did not really "adopt" Jack because they were just trying to keep him from his real parents, it would astonish me. Do you know our story? Did you want this poor boy who was already suffering medical problems from his mom doing drugs while pregnant to suffer? To go from foster home to foster home? That's what people are saying about Simone Biles. People are upset that the announcer at the Olympics referred to her grandparents as "mom and dad." SO WHAT?! They are mom and dad to her. They raised her, they kept her safe, they are the reason she is where she is today. On "The Data Lounge" an anonymous commenter said "The same way when an adoptive parent talks about falling in love with the kid 'the moment I saw them and knew they were mine.' Nonsense. Blood is always thicker than water." LOL do you even know what you are talking about? Have you held a baby that you have prayed to God for? Have you been trying to have a baby for years, and finally get to hold one that is actually yours in your arms? Probably not.

Adoption by grandparents is more common then we think. No, they are not "taking" children from their parents or being greedy and wanting to raise it "right and according to their ways." They are giving that child a chance. A chance to compete in the olympics, a chance to have medical issues fixed, a chance to graduate high school.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

180444
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

7451
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

452631
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23358
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments