"We Are a Close Family" - Helina's Open Adoption Story
Helina is a brave birth mother who chose adoption to give her baby a life full of love and opportunities. If you feel inspired by her story, contact us today or call 1-800-ADOPTION to get free information about the adoption process.
When I found out I was pregnant with my birth son, I was surprised, nervous, scared, and everything else that comes along with being pregnant. I had two children at home, a son and a daughter. I was a culinary manager for a corporate restaurant. I worked 55-plus hours a week, and I only got two days off a week. It was hard because I was a single mom, and I hardly ever saw my two children with that crazy schedule. So, when I found out I was pregnant, I was confused on what to do.
So, I thought long and hard. I put my feeling and love for my unborn son to the side and thought about what was best for my two children. I thought, “I hardly see them; how could I bring a newborn home that requires all my attention? How would they feel with me giving all my attention to the baby and not them?"
So, I reached out to American Adoptions to get the adoption process started. They gave me about 15 families that were looking to adopt. I went through their profiles and read them very carefully. I found a family, then I gave my sister the same stack, and she went through them, too. I didn’t tell her which family I picked. After she went through them, we sat down, and we shared what family she had picked and what family I had picked. It came out to be the same family.
I made the phone call to tell the adoption people the family I picked. However, they didn’t work out, so the adoption agency emailed me about another 10 families. I sent the email to my sister, and we did the same thing. This time, we picked the same family again — Jen and Pete from Philadelphia. It turned out they were a match, and they were okay with open adoption. However, I told the adoption agency not to let them know until I gave birth to PJ.
On June 19, 2014, PJ was born. Jen and Pete were on the next flight to Tampa. They arrived at the hospital the next day, and we got to meet. I had so many mixed emotions that day. Meeting them the first day was great; I knew that they would love and raise my son the way I would have. When it came time to leave the hospital, it was one of the hardest days of my life, but I knew he would be in good hands.
About two weeks after leaving the hospital, I got my first email from Jen. It was so great to hear from them. We emailed on a weekly basis. When it comes to holidays and birthdays, I treat PJ like my other two. I make sure that they all get the same number of gifts. A year after PJ was born, I was able to travel to Philadelphia and visit with them. We went to the zoo, children’s museum, and went out a few times. They welcomed me with open arms. The following year, I was able to see them three or four times. Each year, to this day, I am able to travel to Philadelphia to see them.
We are a close family now. My children know that PJ is their brother. This past June, Jen and Pete came to Florida for a long weekend. It was a great time. I enjoyed watching PJ and my children interact. They were able to my son play baseball, and we went to Orlando for a few days.
The past two years have been rough for Jen and me, but we are able to talk to each other for support. With her losing her husband and me losing my father, we can cry on each other’s shoulders. We are still a close family. I love that she allows me to watch PJ grow and be a part of his life.
Ready to find out what adoption can do for you and your baby? Contact us today at 1-800-ADOPTION to get free information and support.
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