Dear Birthparents,

I first met Kim and Michael five years ago when I was 19. My husband, who was then the boyfriend, and I found ourselves pregnant at a time in our lives when neither one of us had a job to support ourselves, much less a baby. We did not know what we were going to do. We knew that we were not capable of providing this child with everything it deserved and wanted, but at the same time we were scared of the adoption process and what all that might entail. We were terrified that we may never see the baby again, never know if she was happy or had everything she needed, or maybe not even know anything about us. Coupled with all of the “normal” fears was the fact that I am white and my husband is black. We were terrified some couple may not want our baby just based on the fact she would be mixed. It was then we were put in contact with Kim and Michael.

After our first meeting, we immediately fell in love with them. We could not have asked for a better couple than them to adopt our daughter. All of our fears seemed to melt away. We were put to ease about the whole adoption process when they said they didn’t care if the baby was a boy or girl, black, white, whatever. They just wanted to have a child to call their own. They were also completely understanding of our apprehensions about never seeing the baby again. Both families decided to do an open adoption and we honestly would not have it any other way. With the open adoption we know exactly where she is and how she is doing. Kim and Michael send us pictures all the time so that we are able to see her growing up. I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that she has any and everything she could possibly need or want. We know without a doubt that she is completely well cared for and the happiest child possible. We can tell by the look on her face in all of the pictures we have received that she is happy and in the most loving home. We know in our heart that she is in a happy home with two parents that love her completely and unconditionally.

And besides just seeing the pictures of a happy child, I also get such comfort and joy out of the fact that nothing has been hidden from her as far as her adoption goes. She has always been told from the beginning that she was adopted and she even knows who I am. She will tell people all the time that I grew her in my stomach and Kim grew her in her heart. I think that is exactly what it comes down to. I love the fact that I don’t have to worry about whether or not I am going to get the chance to meet her or if she is going to know who I am. Kim and Michael put all that to ease for us.

Kim and Michael have also adopted another girl, Abby Kate, whom they also just adore. Those girls love each other so much and Autumn was so excited to learn she was going to be a big sister. The way Kim and Michael love those two girls and ensure their well being, the fact the girls are adopted is just a minor detail to them. I guess people would say in this situation that Kim and Michael love them like their own, but I’m not going to say. But what I will say is that they love them BECAUSE they are theirs. There is no distinction or byline to suggest anything other than the fact that the children are Kim and Michael’s world. Plus, Kim and Michael give them every opportunity they can and expose them to anything educational and fun they can. We know they have many, many friends because we hear about all the birthday parties they attend, along with any extracurricular activities like learning to swim, dance, gymnastics, and even trips to Disneyworld. I know that spending money on someone, especially a child, does not determine whether or not you love them. But the fact that Kim and Michael are willing to do and spend whatever is necessary to ensure their children’s happiness and ensure that they get to do everything they want, tells me they do love them more than anything in this world.

I hope this letter gives you a small glimpse of how much a God-send I truly believe they were for us. They made a potentially terrifying situation the best possible. Knowing how everything has turned out, we would not have changed anything. We would still make the same choice to do an open adoption and still choose Kim and Michael as the adopting family.

Sincerely,

Autumn’s birthmom

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