The Closure.

Last Sunday we had a very nice opportunity with Nichole and her daughter. She wanted to see us before we head back to Kansas and say goodbye to the baby. Even though this is an open adoption process I can't imagine the hurt that would come with having to give up such a beautiful and amazing gift like Maren. To be quite honest I was a bit torn emotionally as to how this adventure might play out. Would she be able to handle seeing Maren? Would it throw her back into the sadness that comes with the territory, or would she see this as an opportunity to really begin healing? I consulted her birth mother agent and explained my hesitation. He told me that it is perfectly normal and actually a lot of birth mothers ask for the chance to say good bye outside of the hospital. Taking his word on it and trying not to read too much into Nichole's texts we planned to pick her up at noon and go to a beautiful state park close by, Nathaniel Cole Park.

It went amazing and I am beyond happy that we were able to have the chance to see Nichole so she could have some peace knowing that we are taking such good care of Maren. I think with her having the peace of mind that she made the right choice will help her wounds to heal and she can move on. We have told her time and time again that we will do everything we agreed to do with our open adoption plan and that she will still be a part of this beautiful miracle's life. I think she is at peace with the decision and as we will be taking a little piece of her heart with us to Kansas, she will always have a place in ours.

Loved, Blessed, Lucky,

Ali