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WE'RE ADOPTING!!

Bah! I said it…er wrote it…out loud. There it is, in black and white for the world to see.
(Pause for a drink and a breath)
Matt and I are in the very early stages of planning to adopt. We have had a few meetings with an adoption agency, we are gathering the necessary information, and we are making plans to get this ball officially rolling SOON. It has been a very long and winding road to get us to this point, and honestly I never thought we’d get here. Adoption isn’t what we started out hoping for. It isn’t where we thought we’d end up. But here we are – gearing up for what will surely be a life-changing experience for us with hearts full of hope and excitement.
The topic of adoption has come up in the past, but we quickly dismissed it for one reason or another. Matt and I have had our fair share of insecurities about whether or not adoption would be a good option for us. Who would look at our family profile and pick us?? It was a burning question that we probably still have on some level…but now we’re willing to find out the answer!
Our first meeting with the adoption agency was met with anticipation and a little fear…but all of that nervousness quickly disappeared as we talked through their mission, their purpose, and our part in the process. One by one we discussed Matt’s ‘disabilities’ and how they could in fact be of benefit to a baby. His tremor; a rhythmic motion that could be calming to a baby, not unlike a mother’s heartbeat. His voice; a low, melodic tone that could be very soothing to a baby. His chair; a built in stroller. She saw Matt as so much more than a man in a wheelchair, or a stroke survivor. She saw his dad potential as clearly as I do and it made him feel like a million bucks. She didn’t see any reason for us not to try to be adoptive parents. Quite the opposite – she thought our unique situation may resound with potential birthparents in unexpected ways. We’ve clearly been through tough times. Life has not been easy for us. And yet, here we are…still together. Laughing. Living. Loving each other through it all. It says something.
We’re hoping it says something to potential birthparents out there. We’re hoping they will see us for who we are, despite and because of what we’ve been through. We’re hoping they will see what great parents we can be – if given the chance.
We know we can’t go this road alone – we need your loving support! We are humbly asking for your support through prayers, as always, and a donation if you feel led. Click on the link on the right to check out our fundly site – where we’ll be tracking our fundraising efforts and adoption progress.
It’s not going to be an easy next chapter. It could be long, it will be expensive, but it will be (God willing) worth it!!

Comments

dmvflunkee said…
I love you both and know you will be amazing parents! I am so happy that you have decided to give the gift of adoption to a child. I couldn't think of two better people! Love you so much!- Amy O'Hare
Matt and Emily said…
Amy - thank you SO much for your kind words and support. We are so grateful for our amazing friends!
Love you! Emily
Anonymous said…
Thank you for sharing. We will keep you in our prayers, praying especially for patience. :) You both are amazing people who will be awesome parents. I believe in you both! Trish M.
Anonymous said…
Congrats. Being adopted myself certainly gave me resect for my birth parents. They loved ME that much to give me a better life than they could offer. I'm so extremely happy for the both of you. Prayers out to both of you and the birth parents who are making the right choice when they decide on you and Matt to adopt their child. The love you've not only shown our church, church members and each other is such a great example for not only ME but everyone around you. True love does exist, it shines through you both and your families and friends every day.
Much Love and Prayers,
Romy
Matt and Emily said…
Thanks Trish & Romy!! We are very excited to get started...and patience will definitely be needed, I'm sure!!

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