First, if you didn’t know, I graduated from college with a minor in English Language and Literature. Until events changed my mind, I went through four years of college with the goal of teaching in the high schools. Therefore, please understand when I tell you that the word “gotcha” really makes me shudder and want to take out my red pen.
Second, for me, the day that my son arrived was life changing and the word “arrive” and its variations really define the day for me. I find the word “gotcha” to be a little silly and, for me, it takes away from the importance of the moment. I think “gotcha” and I imagine a fun chase through the house and a flying tackle. When I think about the day my son came home, I see him arrive with his escorts and I remember the overwhelming feeling of rightness.
We celebrated my arrival day when I was growing up and then my sister’s arrival day. Now, we celebrate my son’s arrival day. No matter what you call it, it’s an important tradition. Our goal is to make sure that it doesn’t become just another day and that it is always a celebration of family and togetherness.
3 comments:
I've never liked that phrase either. I just went ahead and dubbed that special day "Devin Day" as a celebration of our little boy. I also tend to be a little bit of a rebel, though. :)
We use Gotcha for lack of a better word...and we think of the day as our son got us, and we got him. The grammer gets me too, but until a couple months after my son was home, I didn't know there was another way to describe it. We traveled, so Arrival wouldn't be a fit...and Family Day doesn't sound right for our family. When my son is older, we'll let him pick what he wants to call it!
Hi Mo,
I just wanted to let you know that I just stumbled upon your blog and it really touched me.
I was adopted from Korea when I was about 4 months old by two white parents who raised me in Montana.
My husband and I are now considering adopting from Korea and I think it's fate that I just randomly found your blog when we are considering such a big decision.
Anyways, my parents always called it our "Homecoming." (I have a little brother adopted from Korea as well.) Our homecomings have always been smaller than birthday celebrations, and always family-centered.
Now that I no longer live at home, I think I cherish my homecoming day more. It reminds me every year of just how much I was (and still am) wanted by two people. I am so glad to know that you celebrate this day with your cute kids as well.
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