Editorial: A warm thank you to those who have adopted children

November is National Adoption Month.

Several events over the past couple of weeks have celebrated and elevated the virtues of adopting a child.

Adopted people and adoptive parents have shared their stories in an effort to raise awareness.

In the Missouri Children's Division Cape Girardeau circuit, there are 43 foster homes, a group home, 56 relative or kinship homes and 216 children in state custody.

Adoption is truly one of the greatest gifts a person can give, but not everyone can or should. If you have been thinking about it, now is a good time to do some research.

According to adoptioncouncil.org, more than 100,000 children are waiting to be adopted. According to information provided on its website, adopting a child can be difficult as there is a good chance the child has been neglected or abused. This sometimes creates special emotional and mental challenges. It takes a special kind of person and special kind of heart to adopt the child and help heal those wounds. Adoption is profound and necessary.

A warm thank you goes out to all of those who have adopted children and given them love and support.

To find out more, contact Lutheran Family and Children's Services at 334-5866.