I used to think that if you wanted children, you could have them. Just a simple choice you made. I was vaguely aware that my parents had trouble conceiving and my grandmother had a miscarriage. I just hadn’t yet experienced the complex emotions surrounding new life; both for those who didn’t intend to create it and for those who want to, but can’t.

It all began early one September day as school was starting and the school district I was working in was dealing with staffing cuts, budget cuts, and poor morale.  I had only been the Business Manager not quite a year at the time. Sometime in the late morning, the Public Relations Officer came into my office and closed the door. It seemed I was not going to like the information she had to share…this is how she started.

We have adopted two children, in two entirely unique situations. Both times, we have been so grateful that the birth moms chose to carry their pregnancies to term and to opt for adoption. We have open adoptions with both and are able to interact within these 'extended' families.

We adopted our son Neko as an infant. We have had an incredible relationship with his birth family including his paternal grandmother. She has also become a part of our family with regular visits and interaction with our family.