Tom and Dawn
We planned an adoption eleven years ago for our son. Dawn was in eleventh grade and I was just out of high school. This was the most difficult decision we ever had to make, and probably the most difficult decision we will ever make. It took much thought, discussion and planning before we made the final adoption decision. We had a lot of support from our immediate family. Yes, there were a few who didn’t agree and put in their “two cents.” However, we knew our decision had to be based on what was right for our baby.
Dawn moved two hours away while she was pregnant. This was difficult for me because I was not able to be there for her. Although Dawn missed her friends and family, moving away was the best thing for her. She was able to live in a setting surrounded by those who supported her plan.
We selected an adoptive family through agency profiles and had the opportunity to meet them. Dawn was really nervous and didn’t say much at the meeting. She listened intently to the conversation between the adoptive family, her family and my mother. As the meeting progressed, we began to feel comfortable with the family we had selected.
The hospital was an emotional time. This was when the reality of the situation hit Dawn. Although it was a very difficult decision, Dawn knew that it was the most loving decision she could make for our son, Matthew. I kept wondering if it was the correct decision, and I just trusted in the decision we made together.
Eleven years later we both have tons of pictures and letters. Wow! Matthew is doing wonderfully. He has three brothers and many cousins. We wanted Matthew to have everything in life and now he does. We knew that we couldn’t provide for him, and now he has a family that can provide a safe, stable and loving family.
