I placed my children for adoption when they were 1 and 2 years old. I was put in touch with AAU in 2022 and met Coleen to begin the process. It was hard, I was scared, but it is the most SELFLESS thing I have ever done in my life. There are rough patches along the way, but if you focus on the end result it becomes the most spectacular thing you have ever done. I brought my children into this world, loved them so much and made the choice to place them for adoption to provide them with a better life, I got to choose my adoptive family. The C family is now an extended part of my family, they include me and send me photos and updates, we have yearly visits. I gave my kids the life they have now; they are happy and wonderful all because of my decision.

There is sadness some days, and joy other days, but AAU is a constant support. We have stayed connected through texts, email, and phone calls. I now reach out to share my joys too. I got a job, and I am setting goals for my future. My future is full of possibilities, and I would like to share with birth moms what has helped me along the way: Support is probably the biggest for me. My grandparents, mom, and brother walked my adoption journey with me, supporting me and encouraging me each step. I have set three goals that I think could help others too; 1. Stay positive, get rid of the negative factors in your life. 2. Stay sober, I no longer use substances to numb my pain or avoid taking actions to make my goals happen. 3. If you fall, or stumble, get back up, dust off and begin again. I am proud of myself, and I don’t know if I could have said that this time last year.

~Mama D