I was eighteen and fresh out of a bad relationship when I found out I was pregnant. I can remember not knowing what I was going to
do. I guess in a lot of ways I just acted as if there was nothing wrong. For about three months no one knew of my pregnancy but me and a friend. Then we just really started talking about what to do one day and that's when it hapened - just like a sign from God - a billboard sign saying: "Pregnant and alone call . . ." so we rode back to her house and called. A soft sweet voice answered the phone - "St. Elizabeth Foundation." That is how I started my friendship and love for the people at St. Elizabeth's.
Dear St. Elizabeth Staff,
Thank you so much for everything! I know in many cases you were just "doing your job" so to speak - but you were really wonderful to me throughout my pregnancy. The experience wouldn't have been bearable, or even possible without you. Thank you for the lunch and for making me laugh and forget to be sad all together. You are a wonderful, helpful person. You bring people so much happiness! I have come to think of you as not just the one who helped me with the adoption but also as a friend and I feel so gifted to know you.
Thanks again,
Andrea
Dear Birthmother,
Having a baby is a wonderful gift, but sometimes you do not get pregnant at the right time. There are many ways to deal with a crisis pregnancy, and adoption is the best choice when you are not ready to be a parent. St. Elizabeth is wonderful when you are going through such a difficult time in your life. They offer emotional support and always inform you of what is going on in the adoptive process. If there is confusion, the staff is always willing to help out, even though there should be no confusion when dealing with such a professional organization.
All of the adoptive parents are truly wonderful. They have to go through a thorough home study to quality to adopt through St. Elizabeth's. As a result, all are more than emotionally and financially ready to raise a child. Adoptive parents will love a child more than can be imagined. Most are not able to have children, so they truly appreciate a child. In my situation, I do not even worry about my birth son for he is much loved and cared for. I am sure that all birthmothers feel this confidence when going through St. Elizabeth.
One major concern with adoption is: "I could not give up my own flesh and blood." Sometimes, it is the best thing for your child. You want what's best for your child, and adoption does offer that. Sometimes you are not able to raise a child or you cannot give your child the lifestyle he/she deserves. The sadness you might feel will turn into joy when you see what a gift you have given to another family.
I hope you have an easy decision when making a plan for your baby. Your child will not despise you but will thank you when he/she realizes what a wonderful gift you have given him/her.
Sincerely,
A Birth Mother
adoptive parent testimonials
Every night I close my eyes and I thank God for my children. It was five years of infertility and a miscarriage that made me realize how precious motherhood is. I was never able to give birth but I was able to become a mother. I became an adoptive Mother of two darling boys. My name is Robin, and I am so proud to say I am an adoptive mother.
After my miscarriage, my husband and I decided to look into adoption. It is the best decision we have made in our marriage. My husband and I were fortunate to locate St. Elizabeth Foundation, which is an adoption agency that works with infertile couples. Not only did St. Elizabeth Foundation provide us with hope and encouragement, they gave us the opportunity to become parents.
Our first son, Patrick was born one week before Christmas 1993. What a wonderful Christmas we shared with family and friends. Patrick's adoption was a closed adoption. A closed adoption is one where we don't get to meet the Birthparents or see them at the hospital. It was closed at the request of his birthmother. We have Patrick's medical history and know his birthmother on a first name basis. We also send letters and pictures. Although I do not know Patrick's birthmother, I feel an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude toward her. She gave me my first born son.
Our second son, Michael was born in the summer of 1997. The adoption process had changed so much in four years. Michael's adoption was a more open adoption. We met with Michael's birthmother two weeks before she delivered him. From the moment we met, I knew we would have a wonderful relationship. She is the bravest, sweetest, most beautiful person I have ever known. From the beginning, she wanted us involved in Michael's birth. She allowed us into her room an hour after giving birth and introduced us to Michael. Michael was one day old when we were able to take him home. I correspond with Michael's birthmother with letters, pictures, and occasional phone calls. The hardest part of Michael's adoption was saying good-bye to his birthmother at the hospital. I think of her everyday, and I carry her in my heart.
I love my children with all my heart. I don't think that a mother who gives birth feels any different than I do about my boys. I thank God for Patrick and Michael's birthmothers. They are angels to me. They have shown me what is truly unconditional love. I am eternally grateful for that. As I look around my home littered with toys and sticky finger prints everywhere, I truly feel like I am in heaven on earth. What a joy and privilege it is to be an adoptive mother.
Thanks for allowing me to tell my story.
Sincerely,
Robin