While riding the public transportation system this morning I was listening to a segment on NPR (National Public Radio) about the biography of Steve Jobs. The biographer was talking about the complexities and some of the stories and issues in the book. I found this interesting enough but was intensely engaged when it was mentioned that Steve Jobs was adopted. The biographer mentioned things that resonated with my own story.
- A feeling of not feeling of this world.
- Mercilessly teased about being "Not Wanted".
- Parents telling him that he was chosen.
- Using all of the above to propel him forward.
I have not read the book but am now interested. It has been hard to know if what I have experienced and feel is shared by other adoptees because most of the account come second hand. Though this is also second hand I believe that Steve Jobs expressed honestly what he experienced and felt.
I did not morn Steve Jobs death as intensely as others did but I am grateful for what he has shared about his life and for giving the world another figure of adoption.
When I think of Eliza and adoption and how it showed up in her treatment within schools, I had not realized that she had such bad experiences. I realize that a fairly early age Eliza was the captain of her own ship (her life) and would have thought that she could handle what was happening and not turn to adults to help--but then I wonder if I was just too distracted to notice.
ReplyDeleteI do remember a pattern of friendships where girls whose fathers had left would connect with Eliza and think--well at least I'm not adopted. But then when they would come to our house and see how E's dad doted on her they would become furious about how much we loved her and their lives looked worse than ever to them.