About Adoption

What I don't know about adoption:

I don't know how it feels to grow a life inside of me for 9 months and then make the heart-wrenching decision to allow someone else to raise that little life.

I don't know how it feels to have to choose who is going to raise the child I gave birth to.

I don't know how it feels to leave the hospital - sore, tired and full of emotions - without a baby in my arms.

I don't know how it feels to go through Easter, Mother's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas without my child by my side.

I don't know how it feels to question over and over again whether or not I made the right decision - for my child and for me.

I don't know how it feels to wonder if my child will love me or hate me for the decision I made.

What I know about adoption:

I know that it doesn't matter to me one bit that Samuel grew in a womb other than my own.

I know that I would have paid twice what I did to experience the last 13 months with him.

I know that a piece of paper with my name does not make me Samuel's mother. 13 months of feedings, diaper changes, doctor's appointments, baths, walks, tears, smiles and hugs makes me his mom.

I know that my adopted son is unbelievably loved by his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends. I know that these people often forget he is adopted.

I know that the miracle of adoption is just that - an incredible, life-changing miracle.