“When we finally saw her, I was in awe. We couldn’t just gloss over the trauma our newborn felt. Adoption is full of celebration for the love of a child, but it is also full of pain, loss, and grief.”
‘What about the birth parents?’ We were gaining HER, too. We had no morning sickness or ultrasounds. THIS was the plan.’: Mom shares adoption journey, ‘She’s brought more joy than we ever thought possible’
‘An idea popped into my head which sounded CRAZY.’ ‘You are going to ruin your daughter’s life!’: Single mom builds loving home in van, ‘I want us to truly LIVE’’
“We don’t have NEARLY enough time on this planet to just waste our lives on what society says is the way to live.”
‘Would you be open to picking up a 2-day-old baby girl?’ I’ll never forget my husband’s response. ‘I think this is the baby we’ve been praying for.’: Pregnant mom opens heart to fostering, adopts after ‘humbling’ 798 days
“If you asked me if I’d care for a newborn while 30 weeks pregnant, I’d have thought you were crazy. I’d sit at night, feeding our foster daughter while feeling our little girl wiggling around in my belly. We’d been praying for her years before she was even born.”
‘Some days are harder than others.’ I get eyes darting at me as I’m walking down the street. It isn’t easy.’: Man with facial differences becomes motivational speaker, ‘It was worth all the pain’
“My parents were told, ‘Only major reconstructive surgery will correct the anomalies.’ Because I spent most of my childhood in hospitals, I was playing catch up. My lack of confidence took its toll on me.”
‘Have you considered putting her on medication?’ I was taken aback. When glass started breaking, I knew it was time for help.’: Mom shares daughter’s journey with autism, ‘I’m so proud of her’
“I felt terrible. ‘Is my child so bad that her teacher would suggest such a thing?’ I used to be a mom that didn’t believe in medication. My outlook completely changed with Covid hit.”
‘Dad and I are still friends.’ It was absolutely gut-wrenching. We were determined to beat the statistics. We could still be great parents together.’: Mom shares co-parenting journey, ‘We’re one family, full of love’
“I was devastated at the thought of being just another set of young parents who couldn’t make it work. We were still raising a child together. Four adults opened their hearts to ensure this little boy never felt like he was missing out.”
‘Just wait until he sees you in the hospital. He’ll definitely run.’ I never thought he’d love me back. He held my hand and took care of me.’: Liver transplant recipient shares powerful love story
“As I stood in front of him, he said my scars showed my strength. I couldn’t believe it. For so long, I’d let my illness make me feel like I deserved less. I realized I could do anything with him by my side.”
‘I know we said we’d never do it, but maybe we need to think less about us.’ That was all it took to convince me.’: Couple shares foster care journey, ‘This view was worth the wait’
“The words spilled out of his mouth, ‘I just keep thinking about all the love we have. Doesn’t it seem so simple?’ Suddenly, it seemed perfectly clear. I knew better days were coming.”
‘I’d gained 40 pounds while pregnant. ‘I’m sick of feeling ashamed of my body.’ It was like a switch flipped inside of me.’: Mom of 3 shares body confidence journey, ‘I finally love myself’
“After the initial excitement of having a child wore off, I was ready to start ‘getting back to normal.’ I woke up, got out of bed, and walked past a mirror. I stopped and stared at the person looking back at me. I didn’t even recognize her. The girl I’d known my whole life was gone.”
‘Have you given ANY thought to how it affects us?’ What about your CHILDREN?’ We took in 3 siblings. It was worth it.’: Mom shares foster journey, ‘Every bit of love makes a difference’
“I spent every night before bed rocking them and reassuring them, ‘You’re safe. I won’t let anything happen. We’re here to protect you.’”