Open Adoption: Maria’s Story

by | Apr 14, 2015 | Birth Parent Blog

Young man in the foreground hiding his face, young pregnant woman in the backgroundHere is an excerpt from Mardie Caldwell’s book, “So I Was Thinking About Adoption” about open adoption.

I remember my 17 year-old daughter, Alexis sitting down to tell me she was pregnant. She was 11 weeks along and was sure Juan, her boyfriend, would marry her. I promised to keep an open mind even though I was upset. Alexis was a smart girl and had goals for college. Both she and Juan were determined to make this work and got weekend jobs to prove to us that they could save for baby and be a family.

After three months, both kids were tired of working every weekend and bickering about little things. We talked about adoption as a way to give this child parents who were ready for parenthood. It definitely was sad, but the kids started to view adoption with relief. They could go back to a “normal” routine and pursue their goals. Working together, they picked a family to adopt the baby who would have annual visits with them.

I’m happy to report that I am “Grammy Maria” to the sweetest little girl, adopted by a family about four hours away. We have special family reunions each summer with both families, the adoptive parents, and little Gia. Alexis and Juan are in college, no longer dating, but special friends through the experience and decision they made together.

Heather Featherston
Written by Heather Featherston

As Vice President of Lifetime Adoption, Heather Featherston holds an MBA and is passionate about working with those facing adoption, pregnancy, and parenting issues. Heather has conducted training for birth parent advocates, spoken to professional groups, and has appeared on television and radio to discuss the multiple aspects of adoption. She has provided one-on-one support to women and hopeful adoptive parents working through adoption decisions.

Since 2002, she has been helping pregnant women and others in crisis to learn more about adoption. Heather also trains and speaks nationwide to pregnancy clinics to effectively meet the needs of women who want to explore adoption for their child. Today, she continues to address the concerns women have about adoption and supports the needs of women who choose adoption for their child.

As a published author of the book Called to Adoption, Featherston loves to see God’s hand at work every day as she helps children and families come together through adoption.

Read more about Heather Featherston

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