‘I could not say Mum or Dad’: adoption stories in Hong Kong from those who have been touched by it
- November 9 is World Adoption Day. Adoptees and those who adopted share their stories and talk about the support they have had from organisations in the city
- One Hongkonger, who entered the care system when he was four, was 15 when a US family adopted him. ‘I could not say Mum or Dad,’ he says of the first few days
Megan Docherty has a busy extracurricular schedule: gymnastics, taekwondo, swimming lessons, art classes. Just this month she has four drum recitals.
“At the November 27 concert I’ll be playing the timpani. It’s a big and very unusual drum with a really low sound,” says the nine-year-old.
“Lots of people will be watching and the last song of the day will be my orchestra – I’ll play an Italian symphony and Symphony Number Eight on the timpani.”
Her brother’s schedule is equally packed, and today he will be indulging in his favourite activity – football. “I also play the drums and guitar and have swimming and taekwondo lessons,” says Thomas, aged 11.
It is 11am on a Saturday and the pair are enjoying an alfresco family breakfast. It is obvious they have a close bond, one that is perhaps strengthened by them both being adopted.
