[bajohnson]

Colin,
I too am an adoptee, I've posted on a thread of yours in the past, and I just want to tell you, I guess I don't understand what you are saying, but that doesn't matter. I am interested in what you feel, and like Sharon, want to know more. Different things strike different people in many different ways. Things that cause a reaction in me, may not be understood by others.
To clarify for colin, maybe he's not saying to stop using the phrase, just wondering for himself, why it's causing the reaction. There are a couple different threads going right now that talk about phrases that offend, and I'm not sure that is where colin is going with this. I think he's just investigating phrases and our reactions to them. If I'm all wrong on this colin, sorry, but didn't want readers to get upset thinking that we're limiting their vocab again.
To Angela, I'm an adoptee that was told at 4 or 6 that I was adopted and knew my whole life. It didn't make me feel bad, or different. My folks made me feel "special" about it. I hope your daughter was made to feel special too! I sometimes cried about being adopted and still do and I'm 39! There is a whole plethera of emotions that come with being adopted. Tears may be her way of dealing with some of them. Don't worry, it sounds like you are a very loving 1st Mom.
Hugs to all,
Beth