The Silver Lining

There’s a quote that says that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.  I’m definitely much stronger!

Throughout this crazy adoption journey, two things have risen to the top to create an amazing silver lining for me. 1) my support system  and 2) my relentless want/desire to be a mom.

My support system: Where to start? When the Independent Adoption Agency (IAC) closed on January 31, 2017, me and hundreds of other families were shocked, devastated, in disbelief, and frankly, pissed.  How do you start over again?  As soon as IAC closed, one of the clients decided to start a private group on Facebook and wow! What an amazing group of people.  We post questions, answer questions, offer advice, give feedback on different agencies and sometimes we share our highs and other times our lows. This group has been so important to me, and I’m sure to many others.  Knowing that others are going through the same things as me has been wonderful.  None of us have the very same story, but we all have our own stories that we all appreciate and respect.

The second support system that I have my amazing consultant.  Nicole has been by my side since I decided to move forward just over a year ago. The nice thing about her is that she’s a consultant and as such, she gives her expert opinion when I ask her questions – and I ask a lot.  She never tells me what to do but she offers advice and things to think about.  Another nice benefit is that she is connect to tons of different adoption agencies and as such, is able to let me and her clients know when new opportunities arise. She is definitely the best money I have spent in the last two and a half years of this journey!

You all!  The emails and comments that I have received from you all over the last two and a half years has been amazing. So many candles have been lit for me, prayers sent and good thoughts pushed my way.  People I haven’t spoken to since elementary school, family and friends of you all – so many people on team Maeve!  I know that it’s hard to find the right words to say/send to me, and that’s okay.  Simple notes and knowing that you’re part of the village means the world to me. Thank you all for your support and for sharing my story.

My relentless want/desire to be a mom: Some would call me stubborn and I wouldn’t disagree. I’ve wanted to be a mom for as long as I can remember.  I had so many chances to back down and walk away and for some reason I won’t!  I know what I want and I’m determined to make it happen. Not sure how, but it will happen.

My advice to you:  If you’re looking to adopt, find a great network and stick to your guns. If an opportunity doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.  If you know someone who is looking to adopt, support them.  Drop them notes every now and then to let them know you’re thinking of them.