I am so excited to share that I am a part of a national organization of photographers who are willing to donate their time to celebrate love, life, and adoption.
So why am I choosing to do this, other than it being such a wonderful gift to families who are able to celebrate a new child being welcomed into their family? Well, adoption and the choice of adoption, is especially close to my heart.
Almost 11 years ago now, I made one of the truly hardest decisions of my life during my senior year of high school. I was facing an unwanted pregnancy and at the time, felt like the task of motherhood was something that I just didn't think I was ready to tackle. I looked into my options and ultimately choose to give my unborn baby up for an open adoption. And that choice began an amazing journey for me, for my daughter, and for the family I was about to meet that adopted her.
I have always been extremely vocal in talking about my experience, because it's truly been one that was so positive, so full of love, and because it has shaped me into the person I am today. Was the decision an easy one? Never. Was it right for me? For my daughter? Thankfully, in my heart of hearts, I know it was. I've been able to counsel other pregnant teens and speak in adoption forums to prospective parents waiting to adopt. I've been able to have a relationship with my daughter, with her family, in such a loving and open way. She was in my wedding when I got married, we've spent birthdays and special occasions together, and she has grown up knowing that her birth father and I had her and her best interests in mind when we made this choice.
I remember the day she was born, and seeing the love and excitement on her adoptive parents faces the first time they laid eyes on her. It was the beginning of their story together, of my part in that story, and to be able to give the gift of photography to a family choosing this, is something I couldn't feel more priviliged to offer.
For more information on this organization and the photographer who started it, please visit www.celebratingadoption.org.
9 comments:
it was such a delight to meet you amy and now to know such a beautiful piece of your story...isn't it amazing when we can use our art to bless others!
It sounds like an amazing organization and that's awesome you've chosen to be a part of it
What a great thing Amy!
Amy- You are so strong is every aspect of your life, your belief in God, your trust in yourself and the support of your family is electric. I am so happy that you have the opportunity to share your experience and amazing talents with another family, your story and photos are sure to touch their hearts. Congrats
I am so excited for you and the opportunity you have to do this. I couldn't think of a better person for this "job." I am sure your excitement over the adoption process will overflow into the pictures you are going to share with the families. What an awesome gift to be able to share with these families!!
Thanks for sharing, Amy!
I love this story every time I hear or read it. You are and were so brave!
From an adopted child who was reunited with her birth family, bless you for sharing your story and unselfish love with others! People like you make this world a better place!
Thank you for sharing your story and your talents for such a wonderful cause. So many times, the media only covers stories where there is conflict between adoptive families and birth parents. It is so refreshing to hear the opposite story. How lucky for your daughter to have so many people in her life that love her.
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