John & Airi

Mari, John and I so much appreciate your warm and encouraging words! When we first found out about open adoption at an early juncture in the process, we were not sure if this was the right situation for us. We were already feeling like we had no control over things (through fertility treatments) and we were scared of the unknown. By the time we had shown up at the Abrazo orientation months later, we were convinced that open adoption is exactly what we wanted as we had educated ourselves more. Being on the forum and witnessing how beautifully it can work, we so yearn for that. Your family has been such an inspiration! Your relationship with Lauranda and Sloan, Lauranda's relationship with Sloan and the adoptive parents, all just so beautiful....As you say, I'm sure it takes nurturing but I see that everyone committed to being there for each other and most importantly for Sloan. Doing the math, you do not AT ALL look your age!! Wow, what is the secret?!

Thank you for those beautiful pictures! John and I looked at them together last night and we did indeed say, "wouldn't it be wonderful if we could have this kind of relationship with the first family?" We can only hope and pray.... I have so much appreciated the warmth and the generous spirit that comes through in all your posts and how you uplift everyone in the community. Thank you! (On a whole other note, as we started looking at the picture, John thought that you were the b-mother to Sloan since you look so young.)

Wishing you a wonderful journey, Leslie! We look forward to hearing more as you take each step.

Such fabulous news that Harrison has been released!!! We hope you get home soon and that you can start your lives as THREE!

Congratulations Shawn and Jennifer!!! We hope that baby Harrison can be released from the hospital soon and into your arms!! The closeness that you've nurtured with the birthparents through your weekly calls and recent visits is so clear in your picture together! You make a beautiful family! We will be thinking of all of you and look forward to seeing pictures of Harrison! Lots of love to you both!!

This announcement moved me to tears. Cindy and Andy, we are just so happy for you both! You were meant to be Joshua's parents all along!! Our hearts go out to B-Mom and her family--she will forever cherish these few weeks with Joshua and knowing the two of you, you will have an incredible relationship together. Thinking of you both, Joshua, his first family and sending you lots of love! Enjoy your first night as parents!!

Congratulations, Kara, Josh, and Julie! We hope that you are enjoying your first day as a family! Our thoughts are with you and the boys' first family.

So moving to hear....Congratulations!! We hope that you are all enjoying the first few days as a new family!!

Merae, thank you for your post and for your encouragement for cancer survivors considering adoption. It's so great to hear that Scott is fine now and that you now have a beautiful family! Again, congratulations on the finalization and the forever family you now have! I am a cancer survivor myself--diagnosed with ovarian cancer 17 years ago and "cured" a few months later after a couple of surgeries and a few cycles of chemo. Elizabeth's welcoming posts on this blog are so encouraging and open and she is right that such experience gives a different perspective on how to appreciate each day, each person in your life, each experience....I do hope that such perspective carries over to my parenting and we can focus on important things in life and let go of small things. Also, people who have had a health wake up call often take a better care of themselves afterwards, eating well, exercising, etc, and may be more tuned into taking a very good care of the family and creating healthy habits for their child. Unfortunately, cancer is so prevalent these days but fortunately, most are curable. I do think that it's important to have the confidence that one is equipped with the energy and the health to raise a child through early adult years. As everyone has already posted here, there are no guarantees for anything in life, but I feel that that conviction, whether a cancer survivor or not, is a necessary starting point for becoming a parent. Abrazo gets all this: If you have experienced trials in health, don't hesitate to give them a call. I wanted to add a word of encouragement also!!

Christy and James, We only have a glimpse of all the challenges you faced to becoming parents over the years from what shared with us at the orientation. Your becoming parents today is an incredible celebration and we want to send you our heartfelt congrats your way! Love, Airi and John

A beautifully moving story, an incredible courage and strength from the boy as well as the family. This story just shows the power of what love and faith can do.