November is National Adoption Month. Gold star on your forehead if you already knew that. :) Adoption has profoundly changed my family forever. When McCarrey and I first started trying to figure out how we were going to build our family. I must admit that it was very overwhelming. Not knowing whether to pursue continued fertility treatments, or give up and turn to adoption. I don't share this often- but I had an amazing experience in the Temple -that made that decision for me, and I have never looked back. We set out on the adoption path, and I will be forever grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who guided and lead us the entire way.
When we first decided that adoption was they way to go, we did a lot of research. There was a huge national study done in 2002. They were studying what decisions unwed expectant mothers made when faced with the decision to be a single parent. The results literally floored me. Over 50% had abortions. The remainder either married the birthfather, or decided to go it alone as a single mother- with less than 1% placing their child for adoption in a family. Over 50%- gone before they even had a chance at life. Also in that same study- they said that in 2002, there were over 1.47 Million abortions performed in the US, and only 127,000 children under the age of 18 adopted into families. That wasn't just infants, that was ANY child under age 18. Only 127,000.
I just want to tell everyone- how much gratitude and respect I have for my children's birthmom's. They chose life for my children. Considering their different circumstances- I don't know how they had the strength to make the choices that they did. They are incredible women- and I hope that I can raise the children that they lovingly carried to be as strong and as honorable as they are.
Adoption is such a blessing- For everyone that it touches. And I know that God has a hand in it. I know that my children were meant to come to my family. I knew that Kennedy was coming before I ever heard her birthmother's name. When we were waiting for Elijah- I heard his birthmom's name- just the first name- and told my husband, family and social worker that her child was supposed to be in my family. God definitely has a plan for all of his children, and I am FULLY enjoying that plan that he made for me.
7 comments:
That is such a powerful story, thank you for sharing. And, we need to get together again before the holidays make everyone crazy.
Lovely Shannon, you are amazing. I know when I see your family together that Elijah and Kennedy were ALWAYS meant to be a part of your family. They are your children, there is no doubt in my mind. You and Mac are amazing parents and I know that those are two of the luckiest kids in the world. In no other family could they be loved so much. Love you, sweetheart!
Happy Adoption Month! That is so awesome. I have loved watching, and being a part of, the amazing process that has blessed your little family and, in turn, all of us. I love your kids, and you, like crazy. I'm so grateful for amazing birthmoms who have made the amazingly unselfish choice to place their children for adoption. I admire them, and all that they stand for. And I know your cute kids are meant for your family, for sure. For real, Elijah LOOKS like Mac to me - no lie. I love you!
Thanks for sharing your story! I think adoption is a wonderful thing!
I loved your post. I think my grandma put it this way... there is labor and delivery then there is special delivery. I was talking to my uncle who also has two adopted and it is like they were always apart of the family, which is how I feel about everyone in my family. We just came to our parents a different way just like your children.
I love adoption too! (and that family picture ;) ) Maybe I will write a fabulous post about how adoption has touched my life too! Thanks for sharing your story Miss Shannon!!
Shannon,
I'm a friend of your cousin, Kellie. She told me about your blog. Your kids are adorable!
My husband and I just adopted a little boy a few weeks ago. I would love to hear any suggestions you have for his hair and scalp. He's half African American and I wondered what products you use for you kids hair. Can you email me at xenonhead@hotmail.com?
Thanks!
Carrie
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