Ignorance abounds

We've heard about the potential for discrimination, ignorance and misunderstanding about adoption but we finally had our first encounter with it. Marie was on the phone with Bank of America sorting out a payment that we missed when we were in China. I think being out of the country while adopting a child is a clear case of extenuating circumstances that would allow a one-day delay in making a minor payment. Call me crazy. The woman on the phone started off at average-rude for a phone center call but quickly escalated when Marie explained that another person had already made adjustments to our account and all we wanted was a clarification. Marie re-explained that we were in China and why and this woman responded with "That's no excuse". Marie, bless her heart, came back with the perfect response, "If I was in the hospital in labor would you hold me to that date?" Then this woman dropped the bomb: "Adopting a baby is not the same as giving birth."
There it was. Someone denying our legitimacy as a family. Marie said later that if that woman was face to face with her she would have punched her in the face but that not withstanding, it is this sort of ignorant statement that surely will not happen very often but we need to be ready for it when it does. It shows that, believe it or not, there is still a stigma attached to adoption out there among a small population. Who knows what this woman thought of us going to China.
I hope the rest of you adoptive families can avoid this kind of ugly incident. Of course nothing shakes our faith that we are a tight, loving and very REAL family unit. Just one look in Molly's face as we enter her room in the morning - that bright sunshine smile - and the look in Marie's eyes every time Molly does something, anything, new/cute/interesting or otherwise just beams with motherly love.
This family is here to stay.