I owe my family to courageous women who chose adoption instead of abortion
Reflecting on the Beauty of Adoption
As I look back on our two adoptions this National Adoption Month, I am filled with emotion, remembering the incredible journeys my husband and I embarked on. The strength and generosity of the biological mothers who chose life and hope for their children still amazes me.
Twenty-four years ago, I received devastating news from doctors – I had endometriosis and was unlikely to ever have children. My husband and I were heartbroken. Little did I know, just nearby, a 19-year-old girl named Elizabeth was also grieving. She was pregnant and terrified to raise a baby on her own.
“Elizabeth didn’t want an abortion, but she thought there was no way she could raise her baby alone. Just nearby, I was grieving my dreams of motherhood. Somehow God found a way to connect our separate suffering and to produce something beautiful out of it.”
When a mutual friend introduced me to Elizabeth, I was struck by her youth and fear, but also by her unwavering opposition to abortion. She believed that having two parents was important for raising a child. Ultimately, she chose my husband, Tom, and me as adoptive parents. We were overjoyed and eager to support her throughout the process.
Elizabeth’s selflessness and generosity didn’t end there. Throughout her pregnancy, she welcomed me to every ultrasound appointment and even invited me to be present at Maria’s birth. She insisted on putting my husband’s and my names on Maria’s birth certificate. In honor of Elizabeth’s incredible strength, we gave Maria the middle name Elizabeth.
“Elizabeth’s parents also blessed our family in many ways. They attended Maria’s baptism and often helped us with childcare throughout her childhood. Their overwhelming love and support helped me respond when Maria came home from school upset, telling me through tears that she’d been bullied for being adopted. I told her, ‘Because of adoption, you have all these extra people who love you!'”
Our joyful adoption experience with Elizabeth and our deep love for Maria inspired me to give back to the Women’s Life Care Center and raise awareness for their incredible work. I organized a trip for my Girl Scout troop to visit the center, where we made and donated blankets for the women there.
After adopting Maria, my husband and I felt inspired to adopt again. We welcomed our precious son, Joe, into our family. Maria instantly loved him and took on a motherly role. It was no coincidence that Joe’s biological mother was also named Maria. Through our openness to adoption and Joe’s birth mother’s openness to life, God brought another person into our lives who would forever love and mother Joe.
Looking back, I can’t imagine life without Maria and Joe. They have grown into successful young adults, and I am filled with pride. As for me, once they grew up, I decided to volunteer at the Women’s Life Care Center, sharing the joy and blessings I had received. I advocate for pregnant women and share my adoption story to inspire them to choose life for their children.
“The circumstances surrounding their adoptions may not be perfect, but their children will forever know that their mothers were strong and made the heroic decision to choose a good life for them.”
Most importantly, I hope that my story and message show women that they are never alone. Whether they choose adoption or decide to raise their children themselves, there are people who will walk with them every step of the way.
How did Elizabeth, Tom, Maria’s grandparents, support and accept the decision of adoption?
Us with their support and acceptance. They recognized that adoption was the best option for their granddaughter and embraced us as part of their family. They played an important role in Maria’s life and treated her as their own.”
Reflecting on the beauty of adoption, I am struck by the interconnectedness of our lives. Elizabeth, Tom, Maria, and I were brought together through a series of circumstances and decisions that ultimately changed all our lives for the better. Adoption is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for love and compassion.
Adoption is not without its challenges, of course. The process can be long and filled with paperwork and uncertainty. But when I look at my daughter Maria, I see that every single moment of doubt and frustration was worth it. I see the joy and fulfillment in her eyes, and I am reminded of the incredible gift that adoption is.
As we celebrate National Adoption Month, let us remember to honor and acknowledge the birth parents who make the difficult decision to place their children for adoption. Their love and sacrifice are immeasurable, and they deserve our utmost respect and gratitude.
Adoption is a beautiful way to build a family, and it brings a unique blend of emotions and experiences. It teaches us about love, resilience, and the power of human connection. As I reflect on our journey, I am grateful for the beauty of adoption and the remarkable individuals who made it possible.
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