Adopting

In a casual talk after our badminton games, we somehow came to subject about striking a multi-million prized lottery. It was about a news report that a retired person won one of the biggest lotteries in the country and then someone asked … “what would you do if you win 30 million dollars?”

Of course, there were many suggestions and ideas of what to do with 30 millions dollars. Some said that they will pay all their debts, buy a bigger house, a sports car, enjoy some luxuries, invest the money, share their winnings and last but not least donate some of the winnings to help the poor. We had good laughs and joked about it … we all know the chance that anyone among us would strike the next big lottery is next to impossible.

But later that night as I was laying on my bed, the question came into my mind again … “what will I do if I win the lottery?”

Now let me be frank … there are a lot of things I will do. I will use the extra money to make things better for me and my loved ones … a better home, better school for my children, more budget the family expenditures and allow some things which I cannot afford before.

But there is also one more thing that I will consider … adopting an orphan or even two.

Really???

Yes, seriously ... not that I have to wait until I win a lottery to do it but if my financial capability allows, I will consider adopting. Why?

Simply because I think I can help provide one or two unfortunate children a normal life, a place where they can grow up with love and affection, go to school and have a sense of belonging like any other kids.

I read about many successful rich people building orphanages, charity homes and welfare centres … I admire these people. They helped to make the world better. I won’t be able to do things like that … those are big commitments that needs more than just money and care … they must have organisational expertise, good administration and proper management.

But I can raise children … I am an experienced parent. I am hands on in bringing up my own children … two wonderful kids. Even though they are not the most clever kids among their peers, they are good, kind and well behaved children. So, if I have the means and financial capability, I will consider adopting one or maybe two unfortunate kids… if the authority's criteria allow me to do so.

The idea of adopting unfortunate orphans came from a girl I met many years ago. It was in 1988 when I was on a photography assignment where I met a German girl who was holidaying here. We became friends and exchange views about many things and one thing that she told me showed that she is a very kind and thoughtful person. She told me that she will get married when she goes back to Germany. I wish her the best and may she be blessed with beautiful kids soon.

Then her reply surprised me … she said that she won’t be having any kids. Let me clarify a bit more … actually she said that she won’t be having kids OF HER OWN but she will adopt. Not that she cannot have kids of her own … she told me that she and her husband-to-be have decided that they will adopt and raise unfortunate orphans … maybe one, two or even three depending on their ability as they move along.

She is a remarkable person and I have great respect for her. She has this beautiful unselfish idea … rather than having and raising kids of her own, she wants to dedicate her time, affection and resources to help and raise unfortunate orphans and let these kids have a good, normal and proper environment to grow and fit into the society.

I learned something great from this remarkable girl … I have not met anyone since who told me anything similar and I don’t think there are many people like this out there. Though I have lost contact with her but I am sure she is now somewhere raising one, two or even more beautiful adopted children.

Really, I hope that more people can take up the idea of adopting unfortunate orphans. Well, maybe some people have the thoughts but they don’t have the means and capability yet ... so, keep that thought for now and consider it seriously if and when you are able to.