November is Adoption Awareness Month, and at the beginning of the month we were approached to share our open adoption journey with Alberta viewers.
I have struggled over whether to share this here, as it is really opening us up as a family, but feel compelled to do so. For better or for worse, this is us, and in my passion to advocate for adoption, I need to be vulnerable and share from the heart.
Jill is the name of the birth mother who entrusted us with the three precious angels we call our children. Sarah Jane was first – we met with Jill before SJ’s birth, and were in the hospital waiting room on the night she was born. We were able to hold her minutes after she entered the world. The twins came 18 months later, and we were lucky enough to have Jill trust us with them, too. Three kids in 18 months was a huge undertaking, and we are so grateful for all the well wishes and practical support we have received from so many people. Our story touches a chord with folks, and we know how blessed we are.
I’ll delve more deeply into our experience with open adoption in future posts, but for now, please know how incredible it is to have added family – we have a wonderful relationship with Mary Jane, Zaylynn, and Tim. We see Jill as often as she/we are able. See the video to understand how this all fits together.
Click this link to read the article about our experience with open adoption. There are also two other parts in the series, and they are linked in our article. Thanks to Adoption Options for facilitating our adoption process, providing ongoing support and for nominating and encouraging us to push past being “camera-shy” and let a bit of light shine on our special family.
We are grateful for the opportunity to advocate for the amazing possibilities that open adoption brings. Instead of being fearful of ‘outside interference’ and extra complications, it is an opportunity to create more family and multiply the love that these kids have showered upon them. The needs of the kids are kept at the forefront and guide the process.
We are so thankful for the support of our family and friends in this ongoing journey.
Thoughts?
I would love you to leave comments about your own adoption stories. Please share with us! Any questions for us about how we make this work?
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