On November 19th, 2016, we celebrated National Adoption Day for Children! I absolutely love adoptions for children as well as pets! I believe that all lives are special and that everyone deserves to be with someone or something that they love endlessly!

I was able to interview my cousin, Kelly, who actually has adopted a child when she was a baby! The little girls name is Brielle, and she is the cutest thing y'all. Here's Kelly's story:

Adoption wasn't something that she always wanted to do, but after having an emergency hysterectomy after delivery at a young age, it was something that definitely had to be considered. She knew she wanted to have more children, and dealing with infertility was a great hardship. They went through a surrogacy at first to grow their family but ended up losing their daughter, Haven, at 20 weeks gestation. This was extremely hard on Kelly and her family.

This left their options very slim, bringing up adoption; something that she was always open to. They were able to meet with Brielle's birthmother and everything unfolded from there! Kelly says that Brielle has changed their whole family dynamic by "adding this spunky little blessing to our world". Brielle is proof that dreams do come true and that when there is hope in your heart and you have the will to be open to what the world has to offer you, both good and bad, your hope will be fulfilled.

When I asked Kelly about how she felt with adoptions being more expensive than an abortion, she said that's the number one fact that she has had to learn over and over again in her life. The world is not fair and it doesn't make sense. She says, "What we have control over is our choices and we teach our children that. I choose to be positive, pro life, and to always praise adoption as being the choice of love".

Kelly and Brielle's birthmother have agreed upon an open adoption! I love that! I think it's incredibly important to have an open relationship so that the child understands everything. Having that communication and a healthy relationship is healthy for everyone involved. Brielle also knows that she is adopted, she knows that she is loved by so many people and that she is very special. Kelly has faith that Brielle will always know that her life was planned for love and greatness and that she will accept the choices made for her to have the best we all could give.

That is Kelly's story! I myself have thought of adopting one day. In order to provide you all with the knowledge of adoption, check out these websites!

National Adoption Day

Show Hope

National Adoption Center