Strange Conversations

I frequently have people comment on Little Hema and Vela while we are out and about. Often they comment on Hema's tight curly hair and Vela's nearly straight hair. Sometimes I just simply say, "It's genetics." (It is, right?!) Sometimes I go ahead and explain that they were both adopted. It can start some pretty interesting conversations. Most everyone knows someone who either was adopted, has adopted, or has placed a child for adoption. I've heard praises about adoption and some crazy horror stories (sometimes I'm 100% positive that there has been some serious embellishing of the stories!). Today I had the following conversation (this isn't the first time that a conversation has gone this way):

Lady: Wow - How in the world did your son get such curly hair and your daughter get such straight hair?
Me: Genetics.
Her: Yeah, they really don't even look like brother and sister - do they?
Me: Well, they were both adopted. But they are definitely brother and sister now. (Thinking the conversation is done.)
Her: Really, they are adopted?
Me: Yes, they were adopted.
Her: I really admire you for being willing to take in those kind of kids. That's really lucky for them. Not just anyone could do that. I don't know if I could.
Me: Well really I'm the lucky one. I am so blessed to be their mother.
Her: Oh - well I just think you are really great.
Me: Oh - thanks - I guess.

It always makes me laugh when people act like I am some kind of saint for parenting my own children. What does "those kind of kids" even mean? Why do some people automatically assume that children who are placed for adoption have some sort of problem or might not be wanted? Even if they did have some challenge - would anyone walk up to a person and say that they really admired them for parenting a child they gave birth to with issues? Why should it be different for an adoptive parent. Some people just don't get it! I have never thought of my children as "my adopted kids" - they are mine. I am their mother and will always be their mother. They may have come to me a different way then most children come to their mothers, but they are absolutely my children.

It doesn't make me mad whatever, just makes me laugh. Adoption is a miraculous way for some of us to become mothers - but we are just mothers - not saints.