The Deepest Love: My Adoption Story at 38

When people hear the term "birth mother," they often picture a young, unprepared woman facing an unplanned pregnancy. But my story defies those expectations. At nearly 40 years old, I was married to my high school sweetheart, financially stable, I had five children two were in college and one would be starting college the next fall. In fact, I was already a grandmother to a beautiful one-year-old. And yet, I found myself making one of the most profound decisions of my life—placing my baby for adoption. 

Adoption had come up in my life when I was a teenager and found out I was pregnant.  I did not place my daughter for adoption at that time. I never thought I’d experience the adoption process again at my age.  My pregnancy at 38 surprised me more than when I found out I was pregnant at 15.  I had already raised five children and was preparing to enter a new stage of life—one of supporting my kids as they pursued their futures. When I discovered I was pregnant, my emotions were complex. I loved this child growing inside me, but I also knew deep in my heart that I wasn’t in a place to start over with a newborn. Not because I lacked love or resources, but because I understood what it truly meant to be a mother—the time, dedication, and energy it required. 

With that knowledge, I made the choice to explore adoption. Not out of desperation, but out of love.  I wanted this baby to have the best life possible, and I knew there was a family out there that would be blessed and longing for the chance to provide just that. Unlike many who go through the adoption process, I didn’t need financial assistance or guidance from an agency. My decision was purely based on what I felt was right for my child and my family. 

The journey wasn’t easy. It was filled with moments of doubt, heartache, and longing. But it was also filled with peace, knowing I was making a decision that honored both my love for this baby and my own life circumstances. Meeting the adoptive parents, seeing their joy and gratitude, and knowing my child would be raised in a loving home reassured me in ways I can’t fully put into words. 

Adoption is often painted with a brush of sorrow, but my experience was different. It was a decision rooted in strength, love, and hope. My story may not be typical, but it illustrates that adoption is more than responding to a particular situation; it is about actively choosing a positive outcome for everyone involved to provide the future I wanted for my baby.  And in my case, it was a beautiful choice.