I am doing Project Life 365...you can check out my photos at www.scrappygirlsdailylife.blogspot.com!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

God Has A Perfect Plan To Make A Family

Just realized that my puny last post was post #600! Boy I could have done that one alot better. Thank you Becky for inspiring me with post ideas! I thought I would share with you all what led us to adoption. {Sorry about the bad "photos of photos"...it is a very dreary day and the lighting is awful}

It starts all the way back on November 22, 1974. I was born...

I was born at Ohio Valley Medical Center in Wheeling, WV. My birthmother had already decided to give me up for adoption. She was 17, unwed, and in a bad situation with her parents. I am not sure of the exact details, but my birthgrandparents were Catholics and the pregnancy did not bring out the best in them. Somehow I ended up with a death certificate so my birthmom could return home. My birthfather was a foreman at a coal mine. He was married and had 2 children. When I look at this photo I feel very sad and it is hard not to cry. I feel alone and deserted...unwanted.

I went to a foster home. My foster parents' last name was McClellan and they called me Kelly Jo. I traveled to San Diego, CA with them one time.

At 6 months my adoptive parents picked me up at the Fairmont, WV DHHR. They had always wanted a child and were VERY excited to get me in their arms.

This photo should have been a warning...I have been an emotional mess since birth!

This is one of my fave photos from my childhood...can you see the attitude?

I was very loved and maybe even a litttle...spoiled. Don't ya just love the matching outfits! Ah! Glad I can't remember the 70s.

At 5 1/2 years my hair was down to my rear. Mom made this dress too...she obviously got better at picking fabric!
When I was almost 7 Lil Sis arrived. She was a very exciting surprise after 18 years of marriage.
I have never felt like an adopted child. My parents never made any difference between us. I would NEVER change being adopted. My family is the world to me.
Around 18 years old I did start "looking" for my birthmom, but getting married at 19 and having Manga Dork at 20 kinda took over my time. After becoming a mom I lost interest in finding my birthmom. In the last few months it has crossed my mind from time to time.
I have always wanted to adopt because of my positive experience with it. The second thing that made us consider adoption is the fact that I have not been able to get pregnant after Manga Dork.
I will save the story of the little ones' adoption for another day.

13 comments:

Becky said...

What a neat story! I am SO glad that you decided to share it with us!!

Just the rough beginning stirs something in me to want to go adopt! To think of babies out theere in situations like you were as a newborn is heartbreaking! I am so thankful that your parents found you are loved you and raised you!!!!

What neat pictures:) Thank you Scrappy!

Cynthia said...

Our extended family has been blessed through the gift of adoption a number of times. Thus far, all have been positive experiences. It's a wonderful thing!

I am sad that they issued you a death certificate. Woah! It sounds like your Birthmother, wherever she is, has led a pretty rough life. Thank goodness she didn't try and keep you and raise you herself as the quality of life you have now would NEVER have happened under that scenario.

Kristina P. said...

I have such a strong passion for adoption stories! My mom and aunt were both adopted, and I have done State adoptions. Can't wait to hear the rest!

Ali said...

Thanks so much for sharing this story--I can't wait to hear more!

Flat Creek Farm said...

I'm so glad that you were raised in a loving family and this story has a happy ending! By the way, I do remember the 70's and the fabric in the matching outfits was VERY *in* then :) What a sweet little girl. Thank you for sharing with us. -Tammy

CB said...

Wow that made me a bit teary. I had no idea you were adopted. The first picture about broke my heart. I am sure it was hard for your birth mother too.
I am so happy that such loving and wonderful people adopted you - What a blessing to be loved so much!
And SO NEAT that you also wanted to adopt.
I know your girls are ALL loved!

Becks said...

Thanks for sharing this story! I didn't know you were adopted. Looking forward to hearing about the little ones adoption!

P.S. You were a very cute little girl!

tammy said...

I always forget we have the same b-day. Thanks for sharing this story. It breaks me heart a little, but I am so glad you ended up with the family you have. I always say that sometimes children have to come to the family they're meant to be with, in unconventional ways. Can't wait to hear the story of your little girls.

Sierra said...

Aww, thanks for sharing this story and I am so glad that you found your little ones' through adoption.

Lillian J. Banks said...

Awesome post! I did not realize you were adopted, that is an amazing story. I would love to hear more about it. I am so glad you are who you are and I bet alot of it comes from your childhood. We were thinking of being foster parents to my hubby's nephew since my hubby's mom is practically raising him at age 72, but we aren't sure if the birthparents would be willing to give up rights. we are still waiting for the court mess to be done with my oldest (who I had at age 20 too) and her bio father who abused her.
Anyways, the little boy is just older than my baby so it would be like having twins, but I would love for him to be in a place where he is loved. I am glad you are loved.
Anyways- have a great day :)

kado! said...

oh...i am so glad you shared your story with us! You know much more about your birth parents than I know about mine. I too first started looking when I was first legally allowed to...but put it on the back burner for a while. just in the last few months have I been trying to find more information. Back when we were adopted it was so secretive and hush-hush...they did not keep much vital information. I had a not so happy childhood...so I guess I'm looking for proof that maybe I have some "normal" parents out there somewhere...I'm really not sue I'll find what I'm looking for.

anyways...your story touched me...so thank you again for sharing!

I so hope we are able to meet up next week, let me know your schedule!

Vanessa said...

I am older then you by a month. Just thought I would share that :)

I always love hearing other peoples stories. Thanks for sharing it with us!

laterg8r said...

so glad you found a wonderful and loving family :D