Adoption Book

I have done a bit of studying these past few months, trying to learn more about adoption--my role, how to be prepared, etc. The first book I read was "For the Love of a Child."  I feel like I have learned so much from this book that I needed to share a little bit of how I have changed because of reading it.

This book is written by a social worker who was employed by LDS Family Services. I cried almost through the whole entire book (it didn't help that I was reading it out loud to Dave on one of our road trips--it made the emotions that much worse!)  This book changed the way that I think about adoption. In the beginning of our process it was a lot about me and Dave and what we were going through and how hard it all is. But as I read "For the Love of a Child" I began to see the "other" side more clearly. I began to understand better the hardships and difficulties that the expectant parents are going through as they face this decision-the grief, the confusion, the hopelessness, the change of plans, the emotional and physical changes, etc. I was strengthened by the personal experiences that were included of birth mothers, adoptive parents, adoptees, etc. I was impressed that we don't have to go on this journey alone and that my path and an expectant mothers path will cross and that it is all by God's doing.  Elder Neal A. Maxwell talked about how God placed the Star of Bethlehem in orbit at the perfect time to shine for Christ's birth and that similarly He has placed us in our orbits to cross paths with the right people at the right time.  I believe that with all my heart.  And I can't wait to see how God has orchestrated our lives to cross with our birth mothers life!