Brian and I checked the final step in our home study this weekend. We attended adoption classes put on by Utah Adoption Specialists on Friday night, and all day on Saturday. There were so many other couples there. It was very special to be in a room full of others just wanting to welcome a child into their home, and every one of us had a different story. We could feel the hard work put into it by the owners at Utah Adoption Specialists.
Going into it, already having a wealth of information from researching and looking into all of the options beforehand, we felt we didn't need some of the information because we knew what we wanted out of the adoption process. However, we left on Saturday evening with fuller hearts and a change of mind.
Walking away, we realized that the child has to be the primary focus, and we need to make sure they are receiving the things they need emotionally, mentally, and physically. Also, the birth parent goes through so much. We were able to listen to a birth parent panel, and it was very emotional. We realized how important an open adoption is, and the benefits it brings to everyone involved. Going into the weekend, Brian and I were hesitant to have an open adoption, or we wanted an openish adoption. After seeing how beautiful it can be, and how it can help the adoptee, we have changed our minds. We want to work with our future expectant parents to find healthy boundaries and allow them to be a part of the child's life. We also got to attend an adoptive parent panel, and an adoptee panel. I can definitely say that the panels were what we needed. I think we also learned that adoption can be hard. It can be hard for the birth parents, the adoptive parents, and the adopted child. It can also be expensive.
The main thing we walked away with at the end of the day is adoption is a miracle. It is a miracle how people are brought together and are able to focus on the needs of a child, and see that child learn and grow. We know this could be a long journey, but all of it will be worth it. That is what we are now clinging on to.
Also, we were so focused on the classes, we completely forgot to take pictures, except for what we had for lunch on Saturday. At least we have our certificate. :)
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