If you had asked me ten years ago what open adoption was, I wouldn’t have had a real answer. I might could have guessed but I’d never guessed that I would be in the midst of one.

I knew a birthmother could receive pictures and updates on her child. In high school, a classmate had a baby and placed him for adoption and I remember her bringing in photos of him every so often. So I knew you could receive photos and updates and see your child grow in pictures. But visits?? I didn’t even know it was possible!! Luckily for me, A. (Charlie’s adoptive mom) knew all about open adoption and explained it all to me.

Now that I am in the midst of an open adoption agreement, I know a lot about open adoption. Open adoption means a lot to me. It means that I was able to give my child the best possible chance at life while still remaining in his life. It’s still being involved in his life, even though I am not the parent. Open adoption means my boys get to know each other. They may not be “normal” brothers since one is living in one house and the other in another but that’s really not all that uncommon nowadays with all the step families.

Open adoption gets rid of the mystery and the assumptions as to who I am. It eliminates the need for a lengthy searching process. Open adoption is being there for my son when he has questions. Knowing that he can come straight to me and get the answers he wants and needs. Open adoption is being able to provide him with medical information should the need ever arise.

Open adoption is never having to wonder if he is ok. It’s the peace of mind and constant reaffirmation that I made the best choice for him at the time. It’s knowing and seeing that he is healthy, happy, and loved.

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Related posts:
What Open Adoption is and is Not from a Birthmom’s Point of View Part 1 and Part 2
Adoption Relationships