National Adoption Month is really special to all the employees here at BWAP. We would like to share with you how much it means to us. Here are a few of our stories.

Mica’s story:

Growing up, I always knew I was adopted. When people ask me about my adoption they often wonder, “How old were you when your parents adopted you?” or “how long did you live in an orphanage?” but that’s not how my story started. My story began with a brave 16 year-old girl from Kansas.

As a child, adoption was always a centerpiece of our family, as I have a brother who is also adopted. We talked about everything openly and I was never embarrassed by our family story. People ask who my “real” parents are, but my mom and dad are my real parents despite the fact they are not my biological parents. They are not imaginary; they are very real, and although it seems like a silly distinction, it is a profound difference.

When I was in college, I really started to wonder for the first time what my life could have been like had things been different. There came a point towards the end of my sophomore year when I needed to know more. I needed to understand the other path my life could have taken to fully appreciate where I was and what I had. I decided I was ready to meet my birth mother; with the support of my parents, we made the drive to her house for a night I will never forget. We shared lots of stories and I learned so much about her and myself. Meeting her was exactly what I needed in that season of my life. It gave me a new perspective. I’m thankful for her every single day and thankful for every decision she has made because that’s why I’m here. She is one of the most special people in my life and always will be.

Adoption has had a huge impact on my life and continues to bring about new opportunities to this day. This past summer I got the chance to meet one of my biological sisters and I have cherished every moment of getting to know her. Adoption reflects the meaning of love in every sense of the word. I love my story and my family members - every single one of them.

Lauren’s story:

Adoption is special, and every adoption is different. Often society is quick to judge when they hear you are adopted as if it’s something to be ashamed of, when in reality, it’s something most people are incredibly proud of. My adoption is unique. I was part of a closed adoption, which means I have almost no information about my birth parents. This was very common in the early 90’s when I was born.

Some people consider adoption to be the “selfish” way out of a pregnancy. But when you really think about it, it’s the bravest thing someone can do. Understanding that you are not equipped to raise a baby with all the love and support that a child will need, but realizing someone else could is the most selfless thing a person can do.

The question I get asked the most is “Do you want to know who she is, don’t you want to meet her?” For right now, my answer is still no. I’m still finding out who I am. I’m just now starting my life as an adult and starting my own family. Someday I will, but until that day comes I’m thankful everyday for the girl who was strong enough to do the right thing and give me to a family who loves me more than anything in the world.

My family showed me how special adoption is, and I plan to adopt my own child someday.