Open Adoption... and the Woman Who Made Ours Possible

Disclaimer: We know and agree that Open Adoption is not right for every family, birthmother, child or situation and must be decided on an individual bases. However, for our family, in this situation, at this time, it is what we feel is best. This decision has not been hastily made. We have thought and prayed long and hard about what is the best scenario for our adoption and this is the direction in which we feel drawn.
For Some reason, lately I can not get adoption off the brain. Maybe it is because November is National Adoption Month or it could be that I found a couple of adoption blogs (Here and Here)that I just love or the fact that Dave and I feel it is time for us to add another little "miracle" to our family. Whatever the reason, starting the adoption process again has me thinking about an AMAZING women.

Katie
For More about this amazing woman and how I feel about her Click here.

Keanon's Birth Mother
and Guardian Angel
Our Fairy God-Mother
Dave's Kathryn Leenus
my Kate.

Mrs. R., an adoptive mother and advocate, recently did a post on her blog the r house concerning her sons birth mother and the openness of their adoption.

Many people over the last 2 1/2 years have asked us about our relationship with Katie. I think Mrs. R's words sum up much better than mine what our feelings our open adoption are.

"when people learn about the ridiculously open adoptions we have, they often ask us how we do it.
"isn't it hard to be so close to the birth mothers?"
sometimes. but, mostly ...it's a huge blessing. huge.
our birth mothers make us more grateful,
remind us of the sacrifice that was made to give these little boys the best life possible.
they remind me to always try my hardest.
they make my heart swell 3 times the size of my body.
these young women and their courage are the reasons i am a mother."

and from another post

"there are adoptive parents out there that have very different relationships with their child's birthparents-some more open and some more closed. when i process my relationship with her, i often think of the car analogy. what can i do to help? is it really so hard to send a package of pictures every week compared to what she has given? is it really so intrusive on my life to have lunch with her and her family when we are in her area? in the end, you have to do what you are comfortable with and what is best for your baby.
"what's best for your baby..."
it turns out that the adoptive parents and most birthparents are on the same page with this
one.the page is called, "what's best for your baby."
mr. r and i often say that when you adopt, the birthparents and the adoptive couple make a
sacred covenant with each other, all for what is best for the baby. it is a bond."

So here is to a woman who deserves our respect.

She is
courageous,
selfless
and
a mother
that I hope I can emulate.

We love you Mama Katie!
We are glad you are part of our family and grateful for the way you became a member of it. Nobody can or will EVER take your place. You are my Kate, always and forever sis.