Teesta B, Adoptive Sister:
Love over biology
A little brother, by choice
My brother is adopted. My parents brought him home when I was in kindergarten. They had always wanted to give me a younger sibling and decided that adopting would be the best route.
From the very beginning, adoption was simply part of our family story. There was no shift, no adjustment in language. It was normal. We were super close when he was little. We’re still really close to this day.
An act of love and courage
There’s one story that has shaped how I see adoption, even though I wasn’t in the room when it happened.
When my brother was born, the nurses turned to his birth mother and asked if she wanted to hold him first. She looked at my mom, shook her head, and said, “No. She is his mother, she should hold him first.” Everyone in the room started crying. The nurses. The doctors. My mom.
That moment has been told and retold in our family. It shows how much love and courage it took for his birth mother to make that decision. Hearing it, even years later, still feels powerful. It reminds me that adoption begins with sacrifice and trust — and with extraordinary love.
Me and my brother drinking hot chocolate on a snowy day!
Growing into understanding
Before my brother was adopted, I was really young. I didn’t know much about adoption. I didn’t carry assumptions or expectations.
As I grew older, I started to understand how meaningful and layered adoption really is. Personally, it taught me that family is about love over biology. On a broader level, I began to see how many misconceptions surround adoption.
People don’t always realize how much love and sacrifice are involved — from both the adoptive family and the birth family. There are stereotypes about adopted kids that can be harmful. Being part of an adoptive family made me more aware of how important support is, and how necessary it is to talk about adoption openly instead of treating it like something unusual or secret.
Me and my brother sharing a hug on my birthday
Always part of us
My extended family has always been supportive and accepting of my brother. And my parents maintain a relationship with my brother’s genetic family.
Adoption was never hidden in our home. It wasn’t something we tiptoed around. It was simply woven into our everyday life.
Why I share
Adoption can be complicated and emotional. But when we talk about it openly, we create understanding and connection.
I would encourage others to share their stories. Every experience has the power to help someone else feel seen. There may be many people who relate to what you are saying. Your story could be the one that gives another family hope — or helps an adoptee feel less alone.
If I were to choose one word to describe adoption, it would be “hopeful”.