The title caught my attention, and then Phil Donahue's foreword motivated me to keep turning the pages of Lorri Antosz Benson's memoir To Have and Not to Hold. "What follows on these pages is the flat-out naked true story of a twenty-something female who had it all: good job (ahem, she worked for me), handsome boyfriend, big city romantic evenings, loving parents, and ski-champion good looks..."

I want to spend five minutes to remind you how much I admire you. How much you matter to me. It takes a lot of bravery to be in “our shoes." If you’re having a hard day I’m here for you. I’m here for you because I get it. I know that the grieving can take a toll. Not just with your mind and soul yet your body as well.

Let’s just be real for a second…”Birth Mom” is not exactly a box that someone would eagerly check when creating their dating profile.

I love Ellery so much and on that day I loved her enough to entrust her into the hands of two amazing parents.

"I want you to read this with an open heart and open mind. It may very well challenge you. My hope is that it will inspire and encourage you more. It is written from my heart to yours. "

I loved him. I do love him. I will always, always love him. That is why I made the choice of adoption for my son.

Hi There! My name is Jessica; I am a wife, friend, Realtor, sister, blogger and birth mother. While these labels don’t perfectly define who I am, I do wear them oh so humbly! Being a birth mother has been one of my greatest and most favorite “labels” to take on.

How do you celebrate? Do you do something similar to me? What about reading a story inside a book that can record your voice and sending it to your little one? What about a Build-a-Bear every year, where you pack love inside? What about a coffee date with yourself? What about retelling your child’s birth story in writing or to a loved one?

I remember being where you're at. I remember the shock, guilt, confusion, anger and the surreal feeling of having no control. I've been the girl sitting on the bed crying looking over 8 positive pregnancy tests, thinking if you take one more maybe it won't be true. Because I've been there and I've felt those feelings, I want to say a few words to you.

"You gave me one of the greatest gifts this world has to offer– siblings."