Happy Adoption Day

As I was looking on the internet for the lyrics to this song, I came across a review of it (or at least of the book depicting the song) that deemed it hokey and shallow. I suppose there may have been a day in my life when I shared that sentiment, but today is not that day.

I might quibble with ol' Mr. McCutcheon over a word here and there, if only for theological precision. But other than that, I think he hit it pretty well spot on.

Happy Adoption Day - words and music by John McCutcheon

Oh, who would have guessed, who could have seen
Who could have possibly known
All these roads we have traveled, the places we’ve been
Would have finally taken us home

And it's here’s to you, and three cheers to you
Let’s shout it, “Hip, hip, hip, hooray!”
For, out of a world so tattered and torn,
You came to our house on that wonderful morn
And all of a sudden this family was born
Oh, Happy Adoption Day!

There are those who think families happen by chance
A mystery their whole life through
But we had a voice and we* had a choice
We were working and waiting for you

So no matter the name, no matter the age
No matter how you came to be
No matter the skin, we are all of us kin
We are all of us one family


It is evidence either of my well-hidden softness or of my own parochial perspective that having made this last Friday night, I have already watched it dozens of times and still get a lump in my throat or a catch in my breath every time. I praise God that a world so tattered and torn could bring forth such a joyful event, a joyful soul.