Be more sensitive about adoptions

Mr. William Kaper has three children ("From Maxwell Street scavenger to millionaire," March 29). I do not care how they became his children. No more than I would care how I came to have children, via birth canal, a stork, adoption, or left on my doorstep!

Ms. Kukec, et. al., what does "His grown daughter … One adopted son is grown … Another adopted son … is living in Colorado" add to this feature article? I can think of numerous ways to save 22 words.

I am weary of reading obits which note that a person has adopted children. No, he or she does not -- he or she has children. Whether that person formed their family initially via adoption (adoption is another way to form a family) or via the adoption of a spouse's (or a relative's, a friend's, stranger's) children, once those children are adopted they are legally that person's children.

There are numerous excellent books written on the topic of adoption. One recent one directed at teenagers is by a local author Suzanne Buckingham Slade. You should avail yourselves of some books on the topic and be a bit more sensitive and sensible.

Janet B. Foreman

Libertyville