I can't imagine the circumstance you are in and how difficult this decision is for you. I want to thank you for loving your child so much that you want to give them a different life. What you are doing is the most selfless and caring thing I can imagine, and I admire you for it. I also want to let you know that I am grateful for you and that you would consider me to raise your child. It is an honor.

Dear Parent,

Where do we start? Well, first, thank you for taking the time to read this letter.

Second, you should know we are incredibly ordinary people. We pay our taxes, watch movies, floss our teeth (occasionally) and grocery shop together. We listen to music. Get lost in thought. Do chores. We open doors for others, say "Please" and "Thank you", and enjoy a good laugh, especially when they are hard to come by.

Like we said, we're ordinary.

And like most people, we've experienced hardships. Ours of late have centered around our journey to parenthood. Which is why we are writing what you are now reading. And while our paths through life have differed, with yours undoubtedly filled with its own twists and turns, they've led us all to here and now. This moment where we're asking you to consider partnering with us in parenthood.

If you are open to it, we'd love for you to continue reading so you may get to know us better. We hope you'll find us to be the kind, good people our parents raised us to be. But more importantly, we hope you come away understanding that while we may be ordinary people, we're capable of and surrounded by extraordinary love. Love that your child will experience everyday.

Sincerely, Katie & Howard

There are so many words that come to mind when we think of you: selfless, brave, loving, strong, compassionate, self-sacrificing....and the list goes on and on. Where do we begin to express how these words describe you? We stand in awe and genuine admiration and respect as we think of you and your circumstances. We have been praying for you and this child for a long time. We know this has to be one of, if not the most, difficult decisions that you have or will ever have to make. We are grateful that you will entrust us to raise your child. Thank you for considering us. Thank you for believing in us to raise a precious gift.

Dear Birth Parent,

We are honored that you have taken the time and effort to consider us as a potential adoptive family for your child. We do not pretend to know or understand all you are going through but we hope you will come to trust us with your story. Please know that we and our community are praying for peace and clarity of mind for you as you continue along your journey.

We hope to provide a brief glimpse into our lives and to give you a peek at what this child's life would be like as a cherished member of our family. We promise to love our future adopted child and to support them as they grow and develop over the rest of their life. We hope to work alongside you to find ways for you to be known to them as well.

Our extended family and support system is supportive of us and our journey. We have multiple family members and close friends who have been adopted so we have some idea as to both the challenges and the rewards ahead. We acknowledge that all children are different and require individualized parenting approaches in supporting their growth over time, and we look forward to helping them along the way.

Again, we hope that we can help provide you with the reassurance that you and your child are loved. We look forward to getting to know you and answering your questions as we continue this journey together.

With Love and Appreciation, Casey and Holly

Thank you for taking a moment to learn more about us. We don't pretend to know all of the emotions on your heart, but we know that your little one is loved beyond measure. We recognize that this journey may be filled with everything from love to grief, and we are here to listen, answer questions, and champion you throughout this journey. As adoptive parents, we will provide a loving, stable, and nurturing home. We will cheer your child on as they chase and achieve their dreams, whatever those dreams may be. We will be supportive and encouraging parents as your child discovers who they are and determines who they want to be. We will always be open with them about their adoption story to honor both you and their birth family. We look forward to supporting them through all of their ups and downs, and they will always know that they are loved completely by all who are in and a part of their life. Our goal is to help them grow into caring and loving adults who can pour the love you and we will show them out into the world.

Dear Expectant Mother,

We have no perfect words and no true understanding as to what you might be going through. What we do know is that we look up to you and your decision for this selfless act as a mother. It is evident that you care about your child, and that you want to do what is best for them. We hope that you and your child will always know how they came into our lives and, if you desire, continue to know who you are. Thank you for your courage and for considering us.

Howdy!

Thank you so much for taking some time to learn more about us. We cannot begin to imagine what your journey has been so far, the challenges you have faced and the decisions you have had to make up to now. We hope that you learn more about us as you scroll across our page. Whatever you are considering or decide, we believe you will make the right choice for you and your child. We pray that you maintain your courage and find peace as you continue on your journey.

Hello!

We want to first thank you for taking the time to get to know us. While we do not know the exact circumstance that brought you to Gladney, we are glad you are here. We understand there are many difficult choices ahead on your journey. Our hope for you through this process is to find peace, hope and understanding, whether you decided to parent or create an adoption plan.

As we start this adoption journey, we are also filled with so many different emotions. We are excited for this new chapter in our lives and the possibility of becoming parents, but we would be lying if we didn't say there is still a little anxiety in the unknown. What we do know is that we are ready to bring a child into our home. Should you choose us as adoptive parents, know that our hearts and our home are open to you and your family. No matter where this journey may take you, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

With love, Mary and Andrew