Long, Long Ago

It is hard to know where to even begin. This story - the story of becoming parents - is long, detailed, exhausting, and yet exhilarating. God has woven an incredible tapestry. I don't think anyone will be able to read this story and not realize there is a God. And that God, MY God, is faithful until the very end.

I need to start at the beginning. And the beginning is more than eleven years ago. I was only a sophomore in high school. A scared sophomore once I found out I was pregnant. Yes, for those of you who don't know my story...surprise!

Soon after I discovered I was pregnant, I realized I had two options - to parent or to place this baby with a loving, adoptive home. I chose the route of open adoption and placed my son, Michael (who turns 12 in June '08), with an amazing family. I wanted him to have everything I couldn't provide him at the age of sixteen. I wanted him to have a loving, stable home. I wanted him to have experiences in his life that I couldn't give him at that time.

Rocke, Dee and big sister Morgan (age 4 at the time of the adoption) were an answer to prayer. I had looked through lots of profiles and just could not find one that clicked. Well, after reading Rocke and Dee's, I remember tossing it on the coffee table and saying, "this is too perfect. I need to meet these guys." After grilling them (literally, Dee told me later it was like being on a job interview) I decided my son belonged with them. God had provided.

Over the years, I have remained close with Rocke and Dee. We catch up over long lunches, they send me pictures, notes and videos so I can be a part of Michael's life. It has been an incredible experience. Perfect in every way. More than I could have ever hoped or imagined.

Sam has also had the opportunity to share this experience with me. We have known each other since we were fourteen so when we started dating it was no surprise to him, or his family, that I was a birthmom.

Sam has embraced this part of my life. In more ways than I could have ever asked of a husband and best friend. When we get cards in the mail, he can't wait to rip them open with me to read the note and look at the pictures. He says he can't wait to be able to throw the football with Michael, attend a graduation and even his wedding someday! I am so grateful I have someone to share these moments with.

I am so glad that it is now Our Story.

And that is how it began...