Interviewing the Agency
July 23, 2020
15 Adoption Fundraising Ideas
September 15, 2020
Adoption is one of the most challenging decisions you’ll even make — but it’s also one of the bravest and most selfless things you could ever do.
Hear from Jocelyn, a Gifts of Grace birth mom who lovingly placed her daughter for open adoption.
Could you tell us your name?
My name is Jocelyn. I am 23 years old, and I am a birth mom.
How did you feel when you found out you were pregnant?
I was scared and terrified. But it was happening. I was pregnant.
Were you initially considering adoption?
No. We (the birth father and I) were planning to parent. At 26 weeks, we learned Paisley had Down Syndrome. At that moment, we were still planning on parenting, but we had also learned that she had a hole in her heart and stomach.
As we began to research Down Syndrome, though, we realized we were not ready to take on a role like that. We weren’t mature enough. We knew one of us would have to stay home full time to care for Paisley. We both financially needed to work. We knew in that moment that adoption would be best for Paisley.
What advice did the doctors give you regarding Paisley’s medical needs?
The doctors wanted me to abort Paisley. With her disability and the hole in her heart and stomach, they said her quality of life wouldn’t be good. They said I would most likely give birth to a stillborn baby. I told them, either way, I was having this child.
What was it like working with Gifts of Grace?
It was challenging. I never thought I would go through an adoption process with my firstborn child. Meeting with my Birth Family Coordinator weekly helped me feel better about it. And I knew that I got to choose the family for my daughter. It wasn’t an agency picking a family I didn’t know or strangers for my child.
Do you still have a relationship with your child?
Yes. We have an open adoption. We (the adoptive family and I) reach out a lot via email, and I get to visit Paisley once every other month. I still have a life and relationship with her.
What has been the greatest reward of adoption?
I still get to see Paisley and have a relationship with her no matter what. I still get to see her take on life challenges and achievements. She gets to grow up around me. It’s the best reward I could ask for through this adoption process.
What advice would you give to a woman considering adoption?
If you are considering adoption, it is not a bad thing. It is the most selfless and brave thing you can do for your child. I would suggest an open adoption so you can still have a relationship with your child.
We can help you navigate the joys, challenges, and emotions that come with placing your child for adoption.
Gifts of Grace Adoption Support Center has worked with expecting moms, adoptive families, and children in the Lafayette, Indiana community since 2013. We believe that quality, affordable, Christ-centered adoption services empower pregnant moms and dads, create thriving adoptive families, and help all children be placed in a loving home.
For more information, please contact us. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
