Do you recall how your parent(s) explained that you were adopted?

I do not remember their word for word, but I do remember feeling like I understood what it meant to be adopted.

Was your adoption open, semi-open, or closed?

Closed

If you could dispel an adoption myth - would would you say?

One myth I'd like to dispel is: It is ok to talk about being adopted and the emotions you go through. Not every adopted person has negative feelings about their birth family.

Have you ever met your birthmother or birthfather?

I met my birthmother a few years ago.

If yes, what was that experience like?

It was an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. She came out right after Christmas with my half sister and my biological grandmother. There were so many questions, but I was in awe at the time that the day had finally come after many years of wondering where I came from. And what is crazy is for the 20 years I lived in Ohio, she lived 20 minutes away and never knew it.

Do you have any negative feelings about your adoption?

Never once have I ever had negative feelings about my adoption because I knew deep in my heart she had a good reason for what she did, and I ended up having a great life and wonderful caring parents/family.

From your perspective, why do you think some women don't even consider adoption?

I sometimes feel some women, regardless of the situation, may feel that they will be judged, some may not be educated enough about adoption, and others may feel they are abandoning their child. But there are so many people out there who for what ever their reasons maybe cannot have children and to those people, this truly is one of the best gifts for them and the child.

What excites you about BraveLove?

I am excited to see how BraveLove can make an impact everywhere about adoption from the Birthmothers, adoptees and the adoptive parents perspective!