Lauren's Story
When I found out I was pregnant, I was paralyzed with fear and didn’t know what to do. Abortion seemed to be an option, but I came to realize that I couldn’t go through with an abortion. I made the decision to hide my pregnancy from my family because I feared they would disown me or worse. A very close friend took me into her home and I told her I was thinking about adoption. I found an agency that changed my perception of adoption. Initially, I thought adoption was what mothers looking for an ‘easy route’ did, and that they didn’t care about their children. I couldn’t be more wrong as there is nothing easy with adoption and it is a loving decision.
When I finally told my family they thought that it was wrong. I told them it wasn’t about me; it’s about what’s best for this baby.
I chose an open adoption with a wonderful family that exuded what I hope to have one day with my future children. In January 2006, I had a perfect and healthy baby girl, Kate, and the day she was born was the hardest day of my life. Yet it was also the best; my daughter is with a loving family.
Carly's Story
I remember the horrible feeling I had when I found out I was pregnant. It was a deep knot in my stomach and all I wanted to get rid of that feeling. I wasn’t ready, it was an accident, it wasn’t supposed to happen. And I needed to fix the problem. All I wanted to do was to go into an abortion clinic and get the problem solved. This mistake of getting pregnant had ruined everything I had ever wanted for myself and my parents and everyone. I wanted it to end the disappointment and the terrible feeling I had that everything had changed. But I I hesitated. I had grown up in a Christian family and always felt that abortion wasn’t right but I never thought though I would be in this position. I had no choice. I had goals and dreams. How could this be happening to me? I knew I would get over the abortion or be forgiven or something.
These two strings were pulling me apart, and then I began thinking of a girl I knew and what she had done. I worked with Leslie. She was unmarried, in her twenties and became unexpectedly pregnant. Most women in her position had chosen the simple fix, but Leslie chose adoption. I remember thinking how awesome she was for going through a pregnancy for this baby growing within her. And then six months after Leslie gave birth, another woman became pregnant at work. Kathy wasn't married and wasn’t sure if this was the guy she was going to marry. She decided to place the baby for adoption too. Leslie had inspired her.
And now I was in their shoes, I thought about it over and over. I wanted the abortion but knew I might feel terrible after. And besides, what would everyone say about adoption? I remembered Kathy and Leslie and remembered how much I admired them. I also remembered throughout the pregnancy, Leslie was always caring and had a warm smile. I began to think I could do it and it would all be o.k.
It was because of her that I thought about adoption and decided to go ahead with it. And now, two years after the birth of little Katie, I know I was not wrong. I have no regrets. I am just grateful to the women I met who had chosed adoption because they gave me courage. The pregnancy was hard at times but there were also happy days where I grew as a person and found a deeper relationship with God. I learned that this child was His and He had a plan for all of us. Before I became pregnant I believed in God, but I didn't have a relationship with Him- that changed. And I can't explain it but He carried me, carrying her within me.
I can't explain how, but my adoption journey was a blessing.
