I’m Amy and I want to share my adoption story – an amazing story of love. Love for the child that I became pregnant with at the most difficult time in my life. The love of her adoptive parents who are raising her. And the love and acceptance of the people who helped me through it. It’s amazing how something that seems like an impossible situation turns out to be such a huge blessing. This is the story of putting my child up for adoption.
Five years ago I was in the process of a divorce and raising three children. It was a very painful time, and I didn’t deal with it very well. During that time, I became pregnant. I was in disbelief at first. How could I be so irresponsible? How was I going to raise four children by myself? I was still reeling from the shock of my divorce and I was in no shape to raise an additional child.
I was in counseling for a short time after my husband told me that he wanted a divorce. But, it became hard to carve that time out my schedule so it went by the wayside. When I found out I was pregnant, I called my counselor to see if I could talk with her again. I have always felt strongly that abortion was something I would never consider. But I had to be honest with my counselor that I was considering it. It seemed impossible to parent an additional child when I was struggling every day parenting the three that I already had. The first thing my counselor suggested was that I look into putting my child up for adoption. But it seemed like that was something that teenagers did, not grown women who already have children. However, when I thought about adoption I felt hope creep in. Like maybe adoption was the light at the end of this very dark tunnel.
So, I started to research adoption. I found an agency near me – Adoption Associates. I decided to call and talk with someone about putting my child up for adoption. After learning a little bit about the process, I made an appointment with a caseworker. Paula was awesome! She made me feel so comfortable and supported. Paula didn’t judge me or try to influence me. She didn’t tell me all the reasons I couldn’t take care of of my child. She listened to me and answered my questions. And I had a lot of questions. She gently gave me the option of making future appointments with her. There was no urgency to fulfill the needs of waiting couples. She was there to provide information, support, and a caring shoulder.
After learning that I would be able to make choices that were comfortable for me, I starting looking at profiles of couples. I was able to choose the amount and type of contact I would have with my child in the future. And I was able to choose the family who felt like the best fit. I would get pictures and letters from them, and even be able to see my child occasionally. Adoption felt right. It felt like an answer to prayer and a blessing for all of us.
My close family and friends told me how proud they were of me and what a brave thing I was doing. I felt that I was giving my child the best life. A life filled with hope, a great future and two parents. I also knew that I was giving myself and my three children a chance to adjust to our new life. I was giving all of us a life filled with hope and a great future. What I discovered was that putting my child up for adoption meant that she would have loving parents who were able to support her. They would be able to offer her so much in life, and she would give them what they wanted the most – a child to love.
I chose adoption to give my child a wonderful life and to show my love for her. Making that choice has blessed me in so many ways. When I see how happy she is with her parents, I get a feeling of joy that is indescribable.
If you are an expectant parent considering adoption, we are here for you 24/7. Adoption Associates provides information, guidance, financial assistance, support, and more. All services to expectant parents are completely confidential and 100% free. Call 800-677-2367 or text 248-919-8094
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