Woman wants folks' permission to be a mom
Dear Amy: I'm a 45-year-old single woman. I am financially secure and self-sufficient.
Years ago, I moved miles away from my parents. Their positive qualities far outweigh their negative ones, but lately I am feeling increasingly upset about a situation.
I am happy being single. I have a decent job, own a home and have created a good life for myself.
I badly want to adopt or foster a child on my own. I have thought of doing this for years.
Every time I bring this up to my parents, I am bombarded by all of the negative aspects of being a single parent.
My father is admittedly prejudiced and has made remarks about the possibility that I may adopt a non-white child.
I would not expect my parents to support my child in any way, financially or emotionally. They are amazing people in many ways but for the life of me I cannot understand why they are so against my goal to adopt on my own.
I have tried talking to them about how they make me feel. This has only led to arguments. I fear that if I listen to my mother's litany of reasons why I shouldn't be a parent, I will never fulfill my dream.
I don't wish to alienate my family. How can I handle this situation?
-- Wannabe Mom
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