Angelina Jolie’s decision to adopt her son Maddox from a Cambodian orphanage in 2002, while married to Billie Bob Thornton, was a life-changing experience. Despite the lengthy adoption process and obstacles, the dream mother-son relationship between Angelina and Maddox has been an inspiration to many, and here is a glimpse into their journey.

When Angelina first arrived in Cambodia, she knew in her heart and said to herself, “My son is here.”

© Allstar Picture Library Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo

Angelina always knew she wanted to adopt. “Some little girls learn about having a baby, but when I was really young, and I heard about what an orphan was, I couldn’t wait to find my family across the world and bring us all together and make a home,” the actress shared.

When she visited an orphanage in Cambodia, the staff put Maddox, previously known as Rath Vibol, in her arms, and he stayed asleep. And then he opened his eyes, he smiled, and she cried. Jolie says she felt like, “This kid was okay being in my arms.”

Maddox changed Angelina’s life.

© PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

Before becoming a mother, when things would go sideways, Angelina would become depressed or self-destructive, but as a maternal figure, she can’t afford to do any of that. She shared, “I’ve never known this kind of relationship or love before.”

In 2005, Maddox became a big brother to Zahara, and in 2007, to Pax. Jolie later welcomed her 3 kids with her now ex-husband Brad Pitt, Shiloh, in 2006, and twins Vivienne and Knox 2 years later.

In the Jolie household, adoption and orphanage are positive words.

In their family, adoption and orphanage are looked upon fondly. Angelina said all adopted kids are a beautiful mystery that comes into people’s lives and that “They have roots that you do not. Honor them. Learn from them. It’s the most amazing journey to share. They are not entering your world, you are entering each other’s worlds,” she added.

Angelina made sure to incorporate Maddox’s cultural background into his upbringing.

Alex Brandon/Associated Press/East News

Jolie bought a house in Cambodia for Maddox, who often goes back and forth to his birthplace. Moreover, she founded the Maddox Jolie-Pitt Foundation, which focuses on the Asian country’s environmental conservation, education, health, and infrastructure.

Over the years, Maddox, now 21 years old, has blossomed into a versatile young adult with diverse interests. In 2019, he enrolled in a South Korean college to pursue his passion for biotechnology. He also became his mother’s right hand in the entertainment industry, serving as an executive producer for Jolie’s critically acclaimed film, First They Killed My Father.

Maddox played a pivotal role in encouraging Angelina to undertake the project, and the mother-son duo continues to collaborate on creative endeavors. Angelina often lauds Maddox’s natural talent and the synergy they share.

Angelina Jolie doesn’t believe she’s a perfect parent by any means. However, this mother of 6 kids tries to accept them as they are, and she’s always there to support and develop all the different aspects of who they are.

Source: brightside