The Birthmother - first here, and first in our hearts. Without her, we wouldn't have Owen. We waited for a long time to hold him in our arms, but we knew that wait was only because it had to be him, and our lives were meant to coincide with hers. There aren't words that we can think of to describe the amount of love we hold for our birthmother. Her courage is beyond comprehension, and she will always be an important part of our lives (and Owen's). The choice that she made to choose adoption, and then to choose us from all the different couple's profiles... so incredible. Plus, her own mother for her support in the adoption and to help her daughter have the strength to go through this process. The pure courage and sacrifice of our birthmother will never be forgotten. Owen will always be raised in knowing how much she loved him, and cared so much that she knew the best place for him was with us.
Our adoption agency - the Women at Adoption by Choice greeted us with open arms, and supported us through every step. It's one thing to attend workshops and meetings, but we ended up with a close personal connection with Laura, who was there at every turn. When Lauren and I had questions, it was always who Laura took our calls and made time for us. When we were depressed, she listened to our pain. That Friday morning when we were driving to Calgary, it was Laura who called and told us Owen was born. She met us at the hospital and brought us to him for the first time, she counceled the birthmother and helped her in the wee hours of the morning, and made sure Owen was safe and visited him in the hospital nursery. Laura is completely giving in her time and support - it made our experience so special.
Our social worker - we can only try and imagine the work that she does day in and day out. Doing a home study is a scary thing, in having someone come into your home and have to judge if you are going to be fit parents. But also difficult decisions about the adoption had to be made. Through all of those difficult times however, she was also instrumental in helping our adoption happen. And even after Owen has arrived, we still have a connection and friendship with her... that is because she puts her heart into those she helps, and we know Owen has a place in her heart.
Rosemary - there are so many important family members and friends who give us love and support. And at the center of it all is Lauren's mother Rosemary. We are so lucky that she is near us, but not only that she has been there for us each and every day. There is something to be said about a mother seeing her own daughter with her child, and I couldn't be more thankful for the love and commitment that Rosemary has given to Owen and to us. Not just since he arrived, but through our entire adoption process since the day when we decided to adopt. She has helped us with our pain, our anger, our relationship, and has always been an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on. Thank you for being an incredible mother to my wife, a loving grandmother to Owen, and showing how great a women's love can be.
Lauren - my wife has gone through so much that it literally brings tears to my eyes trying to type about it. But great women aren't made because things come to them easy or handed to them on a silver platter. I will always remember consoling Lauren in the hospital years ago when she found out she wasn't able to conceive. But this challenge has helped over time bring us to the miracle of adoption, and most importantly Lauren has used her art to bring not just inspiration and hope to herself, but to really help inspire others and show the beauty and strength of herself as a woman. I have seen her artwork develop from something interesting and unique, to truly something inspirational that others admire and use to help motivate and empower themselves through times of struggle. What better gift than to illustrate and show the beautiful parts of life and us as people? I am so proud of her for her growth, her strength, and how much of a loving mother she has become for our son. Lauren never gave up on me, on herself, or on Owen. And because of that strength our family is together.
Today is an exceptional day to celebrate and identify the important women in our lives, and I'm happy to highlight these beautiful women from our adoption process. Thanks to all of you for helping me become the father and man I am today.
- Jason
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