Why I Chose Adoption for my Child: Kelly’s Story as a Birth Mother in Kansas
No story, no matter how similar they sound, is exactly the same. If you are familiar with adoption in Kansas, then you understand that this very rule applies to birth mothers. Each story plays out in its own way, and are just as different as the birth mothers who take the lead in the adoption process. Yet, there is one thing that all birth mothers share. That is, making sure that their child is given every opportunity to have the best life.
Adoption Choices of Kansas had the opportunity to interview Kelly, a young birth mother who placed her child for adoption. We hope that her story will inspire and encourage those of you who are considering adoption as well.
Adoption Choices: Hello, Kelly. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Can you share a bit about yourself?
Kelly: I’m 33 years old, and. I work at McDonalds and Dollar General right now. I’m going back to school to get my GED, though.
Adoption Choices: Great. So, unplanned pregnancies can be scary. How did you and your family handle it?
Kelly: The only person who handled it was me. I was fifteen and into a lot of stuff. My parents did their own thing. So, even when I told them, it was kinda like, “well, good luck.” One of my teachers noticed I was pregnant, and she and the counselor sat down and talked with me. That’s when I knew I wanted my baby to get adopted.
Adoption Choices: How did the child’s father feel about your pregnancy?
Kelly: To tell you the truth, I don’t know who her dad is. It’s between these two guys. I told them both I was pregnant and that they could be the dad. Neither wanted to take the steps to see if they were the dad, so that was that.
Adoption Choices: Do you still believe you made the right decision?
Kelly: Oh yeah. I met the adoptive parents and everything. They were nice and wanted to give her everything I thought my kid should have. A nice home, good community. A chance for a real education. That was better than being with me and my folks. No kid should be raised in the environment that I was.
Adoption Choices: Have you had contact with your birth child?
Kelly: Yeah. On her birthday, she was finally old enough to come find me, and she did. We met up and talked a long time. I told her everything I’m basically telling you guys, but more in-depth. She was glad that I put her up for adoption, and I was too. She told me about her high school graduation, and how she’s going to Yale for college. She told me about all the experiences she’s had with traveling and volunteering. I was really happy for her!. No way she could’ve had that with me. We talk often now. We’re building our relationship. It’s a good start.
Adoption Choices: That’s amazing! If there was one thing you could share with a birth mother who is considering adoption, what would it be?
Kelly: Do what you need to do for you and your baby. If you don’t have anybody to talk to about it, go find them. There are so many people who can help you and really want to. If there’s something you don’t understand about the adoption process, find an adoption agency that can break everything down. For me, it was my teachers who researched and helped me with a lot. But, overall, do what’s best for you and your baby. Period.
Adoption Choices of Kansas serves birth parents statewide and beyond, please call us or text us to learn more!
Call Us 877-903-4488 or Text Us 316-209-2071
Meet the Author: Gabrielle Willis is a lover of writing and knowledge, which shows in her everyday life. She graduated with a Bachelors in English in 2013, and recently graduated with a Masters in Creative Writing. She has also worked in the education sector for over 10 years, recently becoming a Literacy Tutor. At her core, her passion is reading and writing, and she loves sharing that with others.
She enjoys helping those considering adoption or going through the adoption process any way she can. This internship opportunity truly resonated with her and she hopes that her words will connect and inspire everyone who reads them.
