In continuation with my support network series, I’ll share about the support of another person in my support network.

An unexpected support person was my now niece Holly. At the time, I wasn’t married, so she was just my boyfriend’s niece. She was a senior in high school at the time. Holly and I became close while I was dating J and still are close. We have more of a sisterly relationship than aunt/niece.

Before Charlie was born, we never really talked about adoption much or the fact that I was placing Charlie. She knew that I was making an adoption plan, but we never really talked about it.

As we became closer, Holly asked if she could come see me at the hospital when Charlie was born. I said yes and thought it was sweet of her.

Holly and a friend came to the hospital when Charlie was born and ended up spending the night at my house then coming back the next day. Holly was sweet calling to check on me and coming to visit after I returned home from the hospital. But still, we never really talked about the adoption too terribly much, in the beginning at least.

As time marched on, I did begin to discuss certain aspects of adoption with Holly. She was supportive, but came even more supportive when BirthMom Buds was started. She was very interested in BirthMom Buds and doing anything she could to help. She drove me two hours in the middle of the night (when my car was in the shop) to be with a girl I was mentoring when she had her baby.

Holly has learned a lot about adoption from me, learned the proper terms, and some of the feelings that go with. I also think that my placing Charlie has made Holly think more about the risks of unprotected sex.

Once a friend of Holly’s saw a picture she had of Charlie and I loved her response! She replied that the baby was Coley and A’s. The friend look confused and said “huh?” She said, “Coley brought him into this world and S and A keep him in this world.” Too cute!

I am grateful for Holly and the support she has given.

Photo note: Holly and I in the Flinstone Car at Carowinds.


Building Your Support Network Part 1
Building Your Support Network Part 2
My Supportive Hubby