Adoption Witness

When I was asked to share a witness about my adoption, I said yes with no hesitation. I have heard the stories that are negative but I want to share a very positive experience! My biological mother put me up for adoption as a baby. I went from the hospital to stay with a foster family for about 2 months before my family was determined. I have always been amazed because my “foster mother” named me Theresa and my family had picked out Teresa as their “girl name”. Dad always called me Terri Sue—Teresa Sue when I wasn’t “listening”.

My adoptive mother and father couldn’t have children naturally. They so desperately loved children and wanted children that they adopted four of us! They adopted through the Catholic church and I grew up learning that my biological mother loved me so much that she wanted me to have the best life possible. Mom and Dad always taught me that it was a good choice for a mom if she had any “doubt about having kids” to put their child up for adoption and be guaranteed that they would go to a family that loves them and wants them. I remember seeing families that struggled both financially and emotionally and being thankful that there was no doubt I was wanted. All four of us grew up knowing that our parents supported, loved us and wanted us to know what a blessing we were. We never had a doubt that we were wanted and loved as much as a “natural” child. We were always mindful that family is a tie that binds not because of genetics but because of close relationships.

Mom and Dad always taught us that we needed to take care of others and if a family had “more” they needed to share and it was our responsibility to love and not judge--it was just the right way—LOVE. We were always taught to Love and Family meant acceptance and unconditional love—it had nothing to do with the womb that you came from.

I grew up serving the church and feel so strongly about adoption that I became active in adoption services and foster care. As a mother I can’t imagine trying to make the decision to put a child up for adoption. I can say that I am confident that adoption is the best choice if there is a question about the future for a child. Families that come forward to adopt are thoroughly screened and I am confident that every life begins at conception and has a purpose in this world. I believe that life is sacred and gifting life to a family that so desires sharing their love is a difficult decision. One that requires thought of that child and what He or She may become.

Everyone impacts the world in some way—Every Life Counts!