"I Was in Full Control" - How Tashira Chose Adoption at the "Last Minute"

Tashira is a brave birth mother who chose adoption to give her baby a life full of love and opportunities. If you feel inspired by her story, contact us today or call 1-800-ADOPTION to get free information about the adoption process. 

As a mother of three children, ages 3, 2, and 6 months, I was pregnant with my fourth child. I had no support financially and, being a full-time student and working full-time, I contemplated for months on how I would care for another child. I tried to come up with a solution, but I either felt like I was going to feel as if I were neglecting my children by working too much or struggling financially to just make it. I thought about adoption numerous times during my pregnancy but, being that I wasn’t educated enough about the option, I didn’t attempt to move forward with it.

I still wanted to communicate with my child and know that he was in a good and safe home. I wanted to make sure that he would know I love him so much, and if I felt I could give him the life he deserved, I would have parented him. I wanted him to know I think about his personal well-being more than myself and that is why I made the decision I made.

Two nights before I was induced, I googled agencies and came across American Adoptions. I read the reviews, and everything looked great! On the website, I noticed it said I could personalize my adoption plan and that I was in total control. That made me light up. I initially inquired online and went on to sleep. The next day, I was contacted by a representative, who connected me with my adoption specialist, Katie House. Katie listened to my story, briefly introduced herself and assured me that I was in full control. I told her what I thought would happen in the adoption process, and she educated me and put me at ease. After getting comfortable with everything, I told her I was prepared to move forward with the process but there was a kicker… I was getting induced the next morning!

The process began to move pretty swiftly regarding paperwork, but Katie made sure to move at my pace. After I told her what I was looking for in a family, she sent me a number of profiles that had families matching my wants. I read through all of the profiles and eventually came up with my top three. I told Katie my top three, and we viewed them together in hopes of narrowing it down to one. After doing so, I picked a couple named Michael and Megan. I chose them not only because of the level of openness and communication they wanted to have but also because I felt we had the same views on life. I felt my son would be raised in a household no different than my own. I wanted to be there even though I would not physically be there. Just looking at Megan and Michael and going over their profile, I felt bells begin to ring in my head as if they were the perfect match.

Katie contacted them the next day as I was in labor, and they hopped on the first flight out to Memphis, Texas. My heart was pounding and my mind was racing every time Katie would text me and let me know how much longer it would be until they arrived. Later that night — at 10:18 p.m. to be exact — I got a knock on my room door. It was Megan and Michael. We hugged each other, and emotions began to run wild. It was surreal. Although I tried to be strong throughout the process, seeing them brought on the waterworks. They thanked me and assured me that he was in great hands.

Although in my heart I knew it was for the best, it still hurt. I could have very well kept him and struggled or, even worse, felt as if I was neglecting him. I chose to give my son a chance. I chose to give my son to a family who would love him, care for him, and give him everything I wish I could have given him. My son is in a good place and, although I may shed a tear because he is not physically with me, I smile soon after when I think about the young man he will grow to become knowing how much his birth mother loves him!

Ready to find out what adoption can do for you and your baby? Contact us today at 1-800-ADOPTION to get free information and support. 

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