It’s amazing how quickly things can change, and how dramatically your own perspective can grow when you’re faced with a decision. When I first learned I was pregnant, my thoughts changed from those of a soon-to-be-graduate to those of a soon-to-be-mother. Instead of trying to decide what I wanted for my life, I had to decide what was best for the life of this little boy. The dreams and wishes I have for him were what guided me and encouraged me to follow what my heart was telling me to do, and that was to find a perfect family for him through adoption. I am ever so grateful to Love Basket for showing such compassion and patience with me on the long journey of finding my son’s parents. They were there every step of the way, and helped make sure that we had found the perfect fit, and I truly believe we did! I forever treasure those two days I was able to spend with Jaxon in the hospital after his birth, and the opportunity that time gave me to care for him as his mom. I hold even dearer the relationship I have, and will have with him as he gets older, and the amazing friendship I have with Sam and Jennifer! They quickly became part of my family, and I feel like I am part of theirs.Being raised in the Catholic Church, I knew the relationship I could have with God and that He was always there for me. However, I had never truly experienced His presence in my life, or felt His guiding hand as much until I heard the heart beat of the child growing inside me. From that moment on, I knew that I had to rely on God for the strength and the courage I needed to make the best choices I could for Jaxon. My faith has been strengthened by this, as God demonstrated His love by leading me to Sam and Jennifer, sending little signs along the way to reassure me that I was on the right path. Sam, Jennifer, McKinley, and Jaxon have a very special place in my heart. I am determined to make the best of myself for Jaxon, and I am ultimately so grateful for the experience of this past year; not only for Jaxon, and for being able to extend familial ties to a town in Texas with Sam and Jenn, but also for the chance to “grow up” and find my new mentors who demonstrate in all that they do the type of person I hope to be!
– Lesley, Jaxon’s birth mother
At our final post placement visit, we were interviewed separately and asked what the most rewarding thing about our adoption was. Our responses were very similar: Besides the given, our new son, the most rewarding thing would have to be the relationship we have gained with our son’s birth mother and her family. It is a relationship that we were unsure that we even wanted when we first started looking into adoption, but one that we can’t imagine life without now. It is a beautiful, indescribable relationship. We look forward to the years ahead and growing our bond even stronger.
– Sam & Jennifer, Jaxon’s adoptive parents
My biological daughter, Meghan, was born in 2004. I was 18 and in the midst of my first year of college when I found out I was pregnant. I knew that financially I was in no position to raise a baby. More importantly, I knew that I wanted her to have a two-parent home. Marriage was not an option for me, and I am pro-life. So that left adoption.
Our open adoption has become more open than what is typical. Amy has become one of my best friends. We talk on the phone often and see each other as much as we can. As Meghan grows, it will be important to keep her needs in mind when determining our level of openness. But I am thankful that we are able to give her the chance to know her biological story.
– Erica, Meghan’s birth mother
