Adopted and Now My Own
After realizing that we both had sickle cell trait, my husband and I decided to adopt to complete our family. In case you did not know, if both parents have the sickle cell trait, there is a 25% chance that the child would have the disease or have nothing (neither trait nor disease) and 50% chance the child would have the trait like us. Since our first child was unexpected, we did not have that conversation before getting pregnant. Thankfully, our child only has the trait and not the disease. So, we decided not to go that route for our next child.
We then signed up to become certified to adopt through the state. After completing the classes, we adopted our beautiful baby daughter. Even though we do not know the mother’s situation or her reason for giving up her child, we do believe that she loved her daughter as she was healthy baby and left at a safe location.
I know it’s not easy to have a baby and then give the child up. In addition, being pregnant is hard on the body and leads to many questions if you choose not to keep your child. But I am thankful for the mother who carried my daughter who has been a blessing to our family. I also challenge you to consider adoption to increase your family as it is a blessing to both your current family and the adopted child.
Psalm 139:13-16
13 For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
14 I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
15 My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
16 Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.