Heather
By Heather, Mississippi
I used to do just enough to get by…in school, at work, and in my relationships. I didn’t believe in God or in going to church. I eventually started to use drugs and alcohol, and I lost my job, my friends, and my apartment.
In the middle of this hopelessness, I found out I was pregnant. At that point I knew I couldn’t take care of myself, much less my baby. I knew I couldn’t provide the things my baby needed and deserved. It would not be fair to bring an innocent child into the environment I was living in.
I was scared, but at four months along, I went to Bethany and continued for weekly appointments during my pregnancy. I could be completely honest with my counselor, and I felt like she understood what I was experiencing.
When I was six months along, I began to look at family profiles, and I found a couple who had the qualities I was looking for. When we met, I knew that I was talking to my baby’s parents. They wanted me to be a part of their family and said that my baby would always know how much I love him. I felt like I had known them forever.
On January 9, 2007, I gave birth to a beautiful boy. In two days, I would have to go home without him. My heart was broken, but then the counselor told me that my son was born on his adoptive mother’s birthday.
Until that instant, phrases like “God’s timing” and “God’s plan” were just words. In that moment, I saw everything come together right before my eyes. My life was changed forever.
I cherished the time I spent with my son and his parents in the hospital. The photos and videos they send me help me through the pain. I look at my son’s photo every day. He inspires me to be a better person. I am so proud of him. He saved my life.
Sometimes the right choice is painful to make, but the reward for making it is amazing. My experience with adoption has been awesome and life-changing.