I’m wrapping up my support network series, but I have really enjoyed writing it and being able to recognize and honor some of the most supportive people in my life. In this series, I have shared with you ways to build your support network, tips to share with the people in your support network, and the personal stories of my own support network that consists of old friends, my hubby, my niece, and my best friend.

I could not conclude this series without mentioning all the other birthmoms that I have met via the internet that have become an integral part of my support network. After Lani and I founded BirthMom Buds, I began to meet a lot of other birthmoms.

Each birthmom I have met has her own unique and individual story. Some of the friends I have made are young and some are older. Some have children that are currently babies and some have children who are in their late twenties and thirties. Some have open adoptions and some have closed adoptions. Some made adoption plans while pregnant, some didn’t even know they were pregnant till right before delivery, some placed their child after parenting a little bit, and some had their children removed from their home by social services. Some live near me and some live in other states and even some live in other countries, miles and miles away! Some surprisingly have practically been my neighbor, one birthmom friend and I even attended the same high school. Some I have had the pleasure of meeting face to face, others I have talked with on the phone, and some are simply computer pals, who I instant message and email and may never meet.

Regardless of what circumstances brought them to be a birthmom, regardless of how much and what method we communicate, regardless of where we live, and regardless of how we communicate, these women support me and provide encouragement, sometimes through a card, a phone call, or a prayer. Sometimes, it’s simply just knowing they understand. And sometimes, knowing what they have been through provides inspiration.

I can’t name names – the list would be too long! But they know who they are and I’m blessed to have their support, not only surrounding being a birthmother and adoption, but supporting me in life in general!