Finding Perfect

Finding Perfect challenges traditional definitions of family by presenting a model built on shared love, respect, and mutual support rather than biological connection alone. Through the creation of an open, blended family involving both biological and adoptive parents, the story presents a more inclusive and emotionally generous understanding of kinship. The novella subverts the potential for conflict inherent in adoption narratives by keeping institutions out of the narrative. Instead, the two families connect through a personal intermediary—Ava, who is a teacher and family member rather than a legal representative. Thus, by the time contact is established, Quinn and Graham do not view Six and Daniel as threats but as integral parts of their son’s story. This is most evident in Quinn’s email, where she expresses a desire to build a relationship rather than erect boundaries, telling them, “[W]e want nothing more than to share those wonderful things with the people who blessed us with him” (56). Their gratitude and openness pave the way for a family structure in which all four adults prioritize the child’s wellbeing above any potential insecurities.

The process of redefinition also plays out as the extended biological family members try to parse how their roles change following Six and Daniel’s news. At first, they define their roles in the negative. Six feels “like someone took a huge chunk out of [her] chest” (17). Daniel tells Hannah, “I’m a dad, but I’m not. And Six is a mom, but she’s not.” He notes that Hannah probably didn’t expect to learn “she’s sort of an aunt with a nephew she’ll never meet” (8). His mother says, “We’re not old enough to be grandparents,” while his father works through the logic: “Our boy had a boy. Our son has a son. My son has his own son. I have a grandson” (70). Since their connection is biological but Matteo isn’t part of their lives, they have no set framework in which to consider their relationship.

The narrative solidifies its redefinition of family through acts of profound generosity and explicit inclusion. Quinn and Graham’s decision to initiate contact, a choice that goes against the legal structure of the closed adoption, is an act of deep empathy for Six’s pain and brings the extended biological family into the child’s life. Quinn validates Six and Daniel’s parental roles by expressing her desire for Matteo to know he has “an extra mother and father who care for him as deeply as we do” (57). The extended family sends a suitcase of gifts along with Six and Daniel when they visit Matteo, symbolizing their distant but loving presence in his life. The theme culminates when Quinn tells Daniel to “Go hang out in the living room with your family” (80), formally welcomes him and Six into their domestic circle. By presenting this successful and loving blended unit, the novella argues that the boundaries of family are capable of expanding to embrace all who contribute to a child’s happiness.