One of the best modern day conveniences for me during the beginning of my journey into birthmotherhood was the World Wide Web, otherwise known as the internet. So, yes, although it may sound sad to some I am thankful for the internet.

In those first few weeks after relinquishment, I was able to sit down at my desk and turn on the computer screen any hour of the day or night. At first, I wasn’t online looking for birthmother support; I was just online as a distraction, reading things that interested me, playing games, that sort of thing.

But when the pain began to be too much to handle, I ventured onto the adoption forums. At first, I was just a lurker, reading what other birthmothers said. Some of them were new birthmoms like I was at that point and others were more seasoned, experienced birthmoms with multiple years under their belt. I felt comfortable sitting behind my computer screen, dabbing my feet into the adoption world reading the feelings and advice of others. I couldn’t post just yet, I just needed to read and know that I was not alone.

And then, I stumbled upon that fateful “Is anyone out there” post. The words in that post were so much like my own. I had the confidence to email the birthmom who wrote that post. And if you know me or have read my story, you already know that that girl is now my best friend, Lani.

Reaching out to Lani and the response I received from her gave me the courage to reach out to others on the internet. I felt ready to post in those busy forums, to reach out to others on the internet, to let them know I was there and I was a birthmom too.

Living in an area with little post adoption counseling, the internet was a form of therapy for me and for that I am thankful.

Other Things I’m Thankful For:
Open Adoption
A Pretty Normal and Uneventful Hospital Experience
Funny and Cute Things Charlie Says
Birthmom friends