I was adopted by my step-father at the age of 4 years old. I am the oldest of 4 children (my younger 3 siblings the biological children of my mother and adoptive father). Even though my dad was imperfect, I was so blessed to grow up in a two parent home where I was loved by a man who was not biologically related to me. Growing up in a small town, everyone asked a lot of questions and everyone knew my story. I was proud and happy to share it and answer questions. Most of my friends were fascinated because my family was different, and they were curious. The most common misconception was that because I was adopted, my dad could not love me the same way that he loved his biological children. I did not believe that was true as I felt there was no difference in the love my dad had for me or my siblings, so I spent my younger years educating my friends and some adults about adoption.
I later became a social worker and worked in foster care for many years. I always felt a special connection with adoption, and the nuances of navigating an open adoption with my biological paternal family. I felt that my personal experience could benefit other adopted children and parents. In 2007, I began working at Nightlight. I am so grateful for the anointing of God in my life and my personal experience which informs my daily work. I have now been working in adoption for 17 years, but I have been living it for as long as I can remember. Psalm 68:5 "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his Holy dwelling." I am thankful every day that even though God is my father, he also saw fit to give me an earthly father. Adoption is a blessing.
Lisa Prather, LMSW
Nightlight's Executive Vice President