Lora’s Adoption Story

When I found out I was pregnant, my mind went through the gamut of negative emotions: fear, confusion, frustration, sadness, anger. I will be honest that I considered every option, but my heart was heavy with the burden of having to parent a child when, in fact, I wasn’t sure if I ever wanted to be a parent.

I finally told my parents, and we discussed the long road ahead. After a lot of tears, self-reflection, and prayer, I decided I wanted to pursue adoption. Even though most people would say, “You’re 28! You have your parents’ support! Everything is in your favor!” I knew in my heart that adoption was the right choice. While I didn’t want to parent…I wanted everything for this child, including having a mother and a father. So, I decided to visit Real Options. There I found out I’d be having a baby girl. When I shared that I would be pursuing adoption, I was greeted with compassion and encouragement.

After I began my journey with an adoption agency, I searched through families, and I found a couple that seemed wonderful. When we finally met in person, I knew immediately that they would be the most amazing parents and would raise this baby girl to know how loved and important she is. I knew I wanted an “open adoption,” which is when information is exchanged between the birth mother and the adoptive parents, but I didn’t think I wanted much contact. However, as I got to know her parents, I wanted a closer relationship.

I was overwhelmed with love on that incredible day when Emery Olive was born (Emery’s parents named her Olive because that was what I called her in the womb). I was so grateful for this amazing little girl.

Since her birth, I have had the opportunity to spend time with my daughter regularly–I even babysit sometimes! While I’m not her mom, I am her birth mom, and adoption has allowed me to watch her grow, love her, and pursue my dreams of attaining a degree in child development. I’m so thankful that adoption was presented to me as an option, and I was able to choose a great life for me and my daughter.