A Story of Adoption

by Lydia V. (Last name withheld at her request)

Where to begin…. Well, I couldn't have children of my own. My husband and I (we've been married 21 years now) tried for years to start a family. I went through fertility treatments and was able to conceive several times, but all except one pregnancy ended in a miscarriage. The last time that I conceived, I experienced an ectopic pregnancy which came close to killing me. It was at that point that we decided there had to be another way to grow a family. We turned to adoption.

We adopted our first child in 1986. He was 3 weeks old when we were blessed with him, and I have to tell you, when he was placed in my arms at the adoption agency for the first time, all the pain and suffering that I had gone through just melted away. He was truly a gift from God. That moment shall live forever in my heart and soul.

Our little one entered our family in 1991 when he was but 6 days old. He was so tiny. He had a host of medical problems as an infant, and there were many sleepless nights at our house for months to come. Now, he's a happy, full-of-energy (too much!) 7-year old and one of the bright stars in my heaven. Could I ask for anything more?

My husband and I thank God each and every day for bringing our two children to us. But truly, our gratitude also goes out to the birthmothers of our children. It was they who made the greatest sacrifice for us. Our two birthmothers, and I call them "our" because they shall forever be linked to us, could have easily chosen abortion, but instead, chose life and the warmth of a loving family for their children.

I fervently wish that any expectant woman who is considering abortion think about the alternative of giving up her baby for adoption. There are thousands upon thousands of couples in the United States who want to start a family and who, for whatever reason, cannot have natural children. These people are yearning to be parents. Instead of killing an unborn child because he or she is "unwanted" or "unplanned," a birthmother, by giving her child up for adoption, has the opportunity to turn despair into boundless joy for a childless couple.