Adoption was something I always wanted to explore. I didn’t have a relationship with my biological father, and while my stepdad didn’t formally adopt me he is my dad. My parents also adopted two of their grandchildren through a process called kinship adoption.
Curiosity aside, ultimately infertility led us to adoption to form our family. We started working with Adoption Options (AO) when they took us on after ABC closed their doors. I really can’t imagine not having AO as part of our story and in our lives.
From the first call, my AO social worker Mackenzie took the time to answer my questions and really sit with me with so much care and compassion. Everyone I came in contact with was so kind and knowledgeable. At first the process seemed daunting, but AO eased my concerns. Our placement was an instant placement so that was a whirlwind. Even during the chaos of that there was constant connection.
It has been just over three years since our daughter was born and AO has still been a huge support for us. We are part of a community now, and are so grateful for the adoptive and waiting parent group meetings and picnics we attend. We stop by the office from time to time to say hi and have a little visit, and any time we have a question they are happy to answer.
I was nervous when I began the open adoption process, and now I am the biggest advocate of being open and connecting with others. This is part of why I volunteer on the Friends of AO Committee.
I would recommend listening to, or reading birth parent and adoptee stories through podcasts, books or on social media. Their lived experiences provide so much knowledge and insight for adoptive parents.
Janice