Readers Share Their Advice and Experiences

Submitted by: Therese | October 6, 2006 12:35 PM
Jeanne writes that she wanted to play the harp when she was little-yikes! I wonder what it is about playing the harp that scares her? Its never too late to start. There's lots of harpists in Portland where she lives.

Submitted by: Colette | October 3, 2006 12:23 PM
Jeanne, if you're 80% sure about adopting I say take the leap. I was 36 soon to be 37 when I adopted on my own. My daughter is now 2 1/2 and I couldn't imagine my life without her. I wish that I had taken the leap sooner, but everything happens for a reason. I love being a mom. Being a single mom has it's pros and cons, but what in life doesn't. Good Luck in your journey!

Submitted by: Shari | October 2, 2006 11:13 PM
Having a child look to you for his everything in life is perhaps the scariest and yet most rewarding thing I have done in my life. My very best days are because of my kids and my hardest days are usually because of my kids. The experiences I have had and the better person I have become because I am a mom are priceless. No career, big home, or all of the toys in the world could give me that. I love my children because they have made me a better person. To anyone who even thought they might be ready to take that huge step of becoming a parent, I would say trust your heart and you will learn a love like you have never experienced it before.

Submitted by: Amie | October 2, 2006 11:11 AM
Advice for Jeanne: Bringing a child into your life is a difficult and tiresome endeavor, but SO completely worth it. When allowed to grow and blossom in a loving home, a child will eventually become an adult who can contribute positively to society. By bringing an unwanted child into a home where he or she is loved unconditionally, you could be combating neglect, abuse, and many other pitfalls that typically challenge such children. As a mother, you will find joy in the most simple things and will not regret opening your heart to such a precious cause.

Submitted by: Barbie | September 29, 2006 1:34 AM
Jeanne, I have a 3 year old adopted daughter. She is our 4th child, I had the first three children. Grace is amazing, and really challenging also. Children are as individual as adults are, and we had no idea of the kinds of challenges that would come with Grace. I could not have done it without a partner. Having said that, I believe Grace was perfect for us and we were perfect for Grace. I believe in a loving Heavenly Father who cares deeply for each one of us. I believe our decision, like that of so many other adoptive parent(s) was inspired. The decision to adopt Grace was made in my soul. It just felt right. I leaned on that earlier confirmation during difficult times. Being ready does not really apply, simply because parenting brings the growth we need to be good parents. It just needs to feel right. Children are complex, and need stability. They need to know who belongs to them. The man you mentioned in your profile, if he is a part of your life he will be signifigant to this child, as will his children. Will they bring more or less stability? While you view this decision as something you are doing on your own, the reality is that everyone who is a part of your personal life will have an impact on this child. A support system is critical. A good adoption agency will be asking all these kinds of questions and many others to help you prepare. Whatever you decide, remember that we are, none of us, perfect, nor is life. Joy usually comes with sorrow, so that we can fully appreciate the difference between the two.

Submitted by: Charlotte | September 28, 2006 4:30 PM
You will know when you are ready. I was adopted into a loving family and am not the least bit sorry, they are two of the most amazing people on earth. I am sure you will make a great mother, but don't rush it, you will know when you are ready.

Submitted by: Tracy | September 25, 2006 11:27 AM
My advice is simple, if you even have the smallest desire to be a mom..GO FOR IT! You will regret it later if you don't. If that means adopting, getting pregnant or whatever...do it! Children are a gift and if you wait around wondering and questioning and contemplating...you will look back and regret not doing something about it. Being a mom is hard, simple. But it is simply the hardest thing you will ever fall deeply in love with. Blessings!

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