When we hear the word adoption there are so many different thoughts we may have, when in all reality they should all be positive. Although I am not adopted, so many people that I love have been adopted and their voices deserve to be heard. To write this article I worked closely with my friend Megan who was adopted the day she was born and is always willing to share her story and advocating for adoption.

A major hurdle people see with adoption is the fear of it. The fear on both sides: giving up a child and adopting a child. It can be a difficult topic but it's the truth when dealing with the emotions of the process. When the time comes to decide to give up your child for adoption or to adopt, it's so important to just be honest with yourself about what's right for everyone involved.

"As difficult as it is to understand the decision my birth parents made, I do have a lot of respect for them. It takes a lot of strength to recognize that one cannot give a child the care and life that they deserve."

"Blood does not determine a family, love does. My mom and I often joke that I accidentally grew in her heart instead of her stomach."

Both of these quotes are perfect to summarize both sides of the situation. Adoption is something that we should talk about, realizing how normal it really is. Everyone deserves a happy, loving home and family. Adoption is a special kind of opportunity, giving families even more to be thankful for.

Yes it can become a difficult situation when birth parents become involved and the child grows more curious, but let your family grow, embrace everyone that comes into your family's life. Stick together through the lows and the highs, families are resilient. When times are trying, love more. There are also multiple multiple ways to receive support through parent support groups, adoption forums and question feeds. You're never alone, adoption is becoming so common that all of these resources should be taken advantage of and who knows the friends you can make along the way.

After talking to Megan it was obvious that she has such a great appreciation for her family because of her parents decision to adopt her she is able to thrive and be who she is meant to be. When we think about family we don't think about DNA, we think about love and memories with those people that you love at all times. We create our family.

"Once I understood how special I am and the amazing opportunity my parents have provided for me, I cannot wait to do that for my child one day."

So share your story, ask others about their story. Every one has a path of their own that brought us to where we are now. Families build us up from the very start and adoption is a wonderful opportunity to be able to experience a love unlike any other.