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I’ve decided to bring back the BirthMom of the Week Segment as it was a favorite amongst many so I will attempt to spotlight a different birthmother each week. I’ll vary the age of the birthmothers and the type of adoption in order to give us a good mix of experiences.
This week’s featured birthmom is Tracy V. from Minnesota. Tracy is now happily married and parenting two elementary school aged sons. Tracy is also the birthmother to D. who is seventeen years old and was placed in a semi-open adoption directly following his birth.
Tracy was twenty one years old when she made her adoption plan and gave birth to D. She remembers thinking how young she was but now she’s seen girls much younger go through the same thing. She did consider parenting but due to her age, no birthfather involvement, and other circumstances, she ultimately decided that adoption was the best answer for herself and her son.
The only type of adoption Tracy would consider was semi open. She did not have visits with D. through out the years but did receive pictures, letters, and updates and also kept in touch with D’s adoptive mother via phone calls and email. Originally Tracy had selected another couple but when D. was born with (minor) problems that couple backed out because of the possibility of medical problems down the road. Tracy’s attorney then recommended another couple who was open to adopting a child with special needs and they ultimately became D’s adoptive parents. To this day, D has none of the medical problems suspected.
Life has taken a strange turn of events in the way their adoption has turned out. Tracy shares:
“Life has taken a strange turn of events in my adoption journey. D’s adoptive mother gave up her parental rights a few months ago and he now has no contact with her. D and I were reunited early spring 2007. He calls me Mom and will possibly be living with me and my family very soon.”
When asked if she has any advice for expectant mothers who may be considering adoption, Tracy ends her story with her advice.
“Go into this with your eyes wide open. Be proud of your decision, don’t live with regret. Find a good friend or support system to help with the bad times, but don’t let your life be consumed by depression or guilt. The future can be anything you make it, but it will never be anything if you are always looking behind you!”
Thank you Tracy for sharing your story with us!
