My husband and I are true believers that things happen for a reason. Sometimes we are put in situations that we wonder why, and then it all becomes clearer as time goes by. Forrest and I always thought having kids would be easy, when we were ready it would happen. That didn't happen for us. Through several years of grueling tests, surgeries and much heartache, we pursued adoption. We had no idea how incredibly wonderful it would be. It was a very scary thing for us. The big question, "Could we love someone else's child as much as we would love one we gave birth to?" We really weren't sure. Then Katie came into our lives. From the very moment we saw her we knew this was what we were meant to do. You always hope that your life has a purpose - God has a plan - this was ours - being parents to a child for someone who can't. What an incredible feeling. We can't imagine our lives without Katie. We feel such a sense of responsibility; more so than I think someone would that can bear their own child. I know that sounds strange. We feel that we not only have to prove to ourselves that we can be a good mom and dad, but to the birth family as well. Even though we have a closed adoption with our first child, we still carry that responsibility. Forrest and I strive like any other couple to raise their children the best that they can but in adoption the responsibility goes a step further. We always have in our thoughts, "How would her birth mom/dad feel about..." "How proud she/he would be to see her."I have kept a daily journal since Katie was born. I hope someday she will share her memories with her birth family. Now, four years later, we are ready to add to our family. This adoption would complete our family. We want Katie and another child to have a sibling like both of us had growing up. We have a bond with our brother's and sister's that we couldn't imagine being without.
Our FamilyForrest is a warm, strong, athletic, sensitive and loving father and husband. He gives our family strength and protection. Like myself, he has always dreamed of a family. Katie has him wrapped around her finger. Forrest has his own sub-contracting business, which provides us with the flexibility you need in raising a family.
Linda is a caring, strong, generous and loving mother and wife. She gives our family compassion and a warm and loving home. She is a college graduate and an account executive for a printing company. She climbed that ladder at an early age so when Katie came into our lives she was able to move into a part-time position to be able to spend more time with Katie.
Katie Ann is our miracle. She came to us 4 years ago through adoption. She is a beautiful, blue eyed, smart, energetic little girl. She loves the outdoors and enjoys gymnastics, dancing and her baby doll. We love learning things all over again through her eyes.
Extended Family
Forrest is from a large family, one of 10 children. His mother is the rock of the family. His mother and father divorced years ago. At one point, she raised eight of her children by herself. She is a very strong woman with the love of her children around her. His father passed several years ago. Most of his brother/sisters live with their families close by. My family is small, just my older brother and I. My parents have been married over 50 years and are the most incredible, loving parents and grandparents. They spend every Friday with Katie and have since she was born. I talk to my mom every day and my brother works with my father.
