I'm a Birth Mother, and I think that's incredible. When I found out I was pregnant I knew almost immediately that adoption was the path for me because I was not ready to be a mom. Adoption wasn't necessarily a scary thing for me to think about because I've seen first hand from people in my life how beautiful it truly is.

Honestly, I was sad because I knew already in my heart that I loved my baby so much, and placing her for adoption would be the hardest decision I would make. But, it was the most loving decision because I was putting the needs of my baby above the wants of my heart. I visited a local pregnancy resource center and that is where I first heard the name Gladney Adoption Center.

I found out about their dorm program and decided to take advantage of it because that would allow me to be around other women who were walking the same journey that I was. I worked 42 hours per week my entire pregnancy, right up until the week before I gave birth so it was amazing to come home after a long day and have the girls to sit and talk to and have their support. When the time came to choose a family for my daughter, I was very nervous.

I wanted to find a couple or family who would not only love my baby, but love me too.

I think as a birth mother, that was probably my biggest fear in choosing a family. I can honestly say that the parents I chose are absolutely perfect... I truly hit gold! The first phone call we had was like magic. We talked as if we were long lost friends who were reconnecting. When we met in person, we hugged and cried like we were already family. I am so thankful for the bond that we established even before I gave birth to our beautiful baby girl. I am so grateful for her parents, they hold a very special place in my heart. I remember waking up on the day I signed my relinquishment papers with such a peace. There has never been a decision more important to me in my life than this one, there's also never been a decision that I've made with such confidence despite the difficulty.

Something that I've always reminded myself on hard days is that my daughter is SO loved. Not only by her new family, but by her birth family as well. And the beauty of what adoption is today makes it so that she will get to know who I am and I can receive updates, pictures and get to see her grow. I love that placement day was not the end of a chapter, but the beginning of one that will grow as the years go by. Adoption is a beautiful and brave thing....and the world needs to know that.