What We Are Thankful for This Month

By Bill Imhoff

Soon, most of us will gather around our tables – either in person or virtually – to celebrate Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving for me is about much more than just overeating and watching football. It’s a time to really think on the things that are most important in life, and the things that I am most thankful for. For my wife, Sylvia, and me, family tops that list.

Thanksgiving isn’t the only thing that November is known for. Did you know that November is also National Adoption Month? Adoption is something that has special meaning for our family. Our son, Grant, was one of the first open adoptions in Texas back in 1991. Nine years later, we were blessed to adopt Blake and Sydney from Russia. The opportunity to create family through these adoptions changed our lives.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, National Adoption Month dates back to 1976 when Massachusetts Governor Mike Dukakis announced the first Adoption Week. The idea grew in popularity, and in 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Adoption Week. In 1995, the week expanded to the entire month of November.

About 135,000 children are adopted in the United States each year, and adoptions touch more lives than you might guess. Here are some interesting facts:

• 6 in 10 Americans have had personal experience with adoption
• Approximately 7 million Americans are adopted
• There are 5 million adopted children in the United States
• One-third of Americans say they have considered adoption
• It is estimated that 1 in 6 couples are diagnosed with infertility every year. For them, adoption can be the path to creating their family.

If adoption is something that you too are considering, I invite you to watch the story of Grant’s adoption, as captured in this recent video.

And from our family to yours, we wish you a happy Thanksgiving 2020!