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laura taylor

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Posts posted by laura taylor

  1. For our Jewish friends

    in Abrazo's Chapel Potluck

    Posted

    That is really interesting! Thanks for sharing, Annie - I love to learn about the history, background and reasoning behind beliefs and traditions in faith. I really would love to attend a Passover meal one day - there is a Messianic Jewish Temple down the way from me - so I have no excuse not to check it out!

    Laura

  4. Baptisms & Christenings

    in Abrazo's Chapel Potluck

    Posted

    Infant baptisms have always been a favorite spiritual experience for me - I believe the souls of all present are connected by God in a very special way during these ceremonies - what an awesome venue to declare before God your committment to this life and to celebrate this gift :wub: mmmmm - happy thoughts.

  9. ThirstQuenchers: Encouragement for the Parched

    in Abrazo's Chapel Potluck

    Posted

    I just had to share a story that helped renew my faith in people and timing and situations...

    Last week, I was hurriedly cold-calling on MD offices and I had my digital camera in my purse. I was in an MD office, speaking with the receptionist when I felt my phone on vibrate - I glanced at it and saw "ID Unavailable" - which always means ABRAZO - so I quickly apologized to the nurse, left the office and plopped down in the building lobby to take the call. Wow - it was about a birthmom call, and I was intently listening to all the details, digging in my purse for a pen and writing down all the info. I was so excited that I unintentionally left my camera sitting on the lobby chair before I zoomed away in my car to get back to the office.

    30 minutes later I realized my camera was gone. I was frantic b/c it had about 200 pics on it from Christmas to family vacations :( and I was sure that someone would steal it! Yes, that is embarrasing that I immediately thought that way... I rushed back to the building, jumped out of the car and ran into the lobby. The building seemed empty except for 2 of the sweetest people sitting in the lobby, a man and a woman, waiting for their rides. I asked if they had seen a camera in the sitting area, and the woman exclaimed, "Oh, is that what that was? Yes, yes - I found it and turned it into the Dr.'s office right there." I jumped up and down, ran into the MD office and sure enough, the camera was waiting for me.

    I went back into the lobby, and with tears of gratitude, thanked them for their sweet hearts and courtesy and honesty. The lady said, "oh no, no! That's just what I do. You were the blessed one, weren't you? What a blessing - what a blessing! That is so wonderful and I was happy to do it. I never take anything that doesn't belong to me, that's just not right! You have a blessed, blessed day and New Year!" All the while, the man was just grinning and nodding his head with "Ummm-hmmm - Yep - uh-huh" to all the woman's words. :)

    I left with a full heart and a huge portion of gratitude :):):) What an awesome thing to have such angels in my path --- at the very time when I needed a shot of faith!! :wub:

  12. In Denial? Late Planners, You're Not Alone!

    in Considering Adoption?

    Posted

    I couldn't bear the thought of going through that again so I decided I would just keep Baby Cliff even though in my heart I knew there was NO way I could. I just convinced myself that everything would be alright. That is until I saw his sweet little face. That boy deserved the best. I know I couldn't be the best mother to a newborn with a 4 and 3 year old running around the house wanting my undivided attention. I just hoped and prayed that this agency would be different. AND IT WAS!!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't believe that I could have so much contact with my AP's. It is absolutely amazing. I know that he is with SUCH GREAT PARENTS!!!!!!! My only regret is wishing I called Abrazo 2 1/2 years ago. Now I will have a son I will never really KNOW. It breaks my heart. I just hope that one day he wants to meet me so that way I can tell him all the things I never got to say.

    amanda

    Thanks for sharing your story, Amanda :) I am glad to hear that you have such a great relationship with his AP's - that is what I hope and long for, too, as a future AP...

    Keep praying for that reunion with your son - miracles do happen every day... :)

    Hopeful - Laura

  14. Picking & Choosing

    in Looking to Adopt

    Posted

    What makes the differnce - is having agenies and social workers invested in the VERY best interests of all the clients that they work with. Latonya ( Gabe's Birthmom) looked at the profiles of the families that fit her "check list", and then afterwards the SW also showed her a few others that were also open to the specifics aurrounding her child, and I was in that stack. When we met - it was a great fit for us both....

    ..and oh yea...listening to the whispers that assure you that you are making the right choice.

    I cannot imagine using an agency that did not get to know the birthparents and the adoptive parent on a very personal, one-on-one level. Thank heavens for this dedication - because God works through the eyes, ears, voices and hearts of the folks at Abrazo for the best of the children and the families with whom they are matching. And I agree, too, that we have to listen to the whispers that come from deep, deep in the soul that tell us we're making the right choice.

  18. I need Advice

    in Considering Adoption?

    Posted

    I'm new to this whole adoption thing. I was browzing the Internet and found this website. I think it is really neat that the agency has a forum for birthparents and adoptive parents & their families to share their thoughts. I live in Texas and I am considering placing my baby for adoption, but am making sure I use the right agency. Could ya'll please give me some feedback on your experiences with this Agency.

    Hi - I wanted to share my thoughts with you, as I am an adoptive parent. My husband and I researched and studied for what felt like the right agency, and I know we found it in Abrazo. I'll tell you what I have experienced to be absolutely first and foremost for this agency --- the precious child.

    The women of Abrazo go over-and-above to make sure that this tiny life has the most loving home and parents to thrive. They are very focused on the birthparents and providing them the best support and counsel, and to help them through their questions of ...is adoption the best plan for me? what is open adoption? what choices do I have? Their goal is to help birthparents realize the hopes they have for their baby. They give honest, gentle and supportive counsel to the birthparents as they go through this process --- helping them to make the best decision of parenting themselves or of placing their child for adoption.

    I think it very courageous of you to open up :) And I will lift you up in prayer, too. Hope this is helpful - Laura

  19. INQUIRY

    in Looking to Adopt

    Posted

    Welcome, welcome, Yvette and Steve!! Happy to have you guys start on this magical mystery tour ;) Will be thinking about ya over the next few weeks --- this holiday season will be like no other for you, as you jump into orientation!

    Laura

  22. How soon did you decide adoption?

    in Considering Adoption?

    Posted

    Thank you for the feedback :)

    As I look back on the match and how it happened, it just felt really comfortable to be myself (Chip, too). We laughed a lot and also were able to talk openly about adoption, too - her fears, our fears, her hopes, our hopes. It really feels natural, and we keep encouraging each other to be honest and open.

    Thanks again, and have a wonderful weekend - Laura

  23. How soon did you decide adoption?

    in Considering Adoption?

    Posted

    Well I called the agency the day after I gave birth to him.....but I knew it in my heart since I learned I was pregnant. I just sat there and wished and hoped that I would win the lottery or something. <_< Of course I didn't.....but I am so happy with the decision that I made. I've said it many many times but I wouldn't want it any other way!!!

    Chip and I were just matched about a week ago with our birthmom! And we are so excited about this blooming relationship. We are going to meet her in person in about 2 weeks, and I am both nervous and eager. Any advice you can give would be helpful. We are trying to be so open, honest and sensitive to her feelings.

    Thanks for sharing - Laura

  24. APPLICATION

    in Looking to Adopt

    Posted

    Hi everyone. My husband and I have just sent in our application and are now on pins and needles waiting to find out if we made it in time for the September orientation. (I've been "lurking" in this forum for about two weeks. There is some AMAZING information here!)

    This will be our first child and we are so excited. We've been planning for this baby for years. We just didn't have a clue where he or she would come from!

    I'm glad to see there are other "newbies" out there. Maybe somebody could give provide a dictionary for what some of the acronyms mean. I'm new to this whole chatting thing and I want to make sure I get it right.

    Anyone else heading to Texas from Virginia?

    Hi Ellouise - Welcome, welcome to the Forum! I was a bit overwhelmed with the lingo - and I still am finding new things on the Forum. I tell you what, this is a great way to connect with everyone and learn about how wonderful open adoption really is.

    Orientation is amazing, and it is definitely lots of information. There was so much bonding that went on for Chip and me - we have made some lifelong friends there! It's pretty amazing how many gifts have been given to us - and how many are on the way. You are in for a ride!!! We chose Abrazo because it was clear that the ladies of Abrazo absolutely have the best interest of the child at the center. Angels helping angels.

    We went to the January orientation, and although we knew a little about open adoption - this was a true eye-opener. We've never looked back since, and it has been a great thing to explain open adoption to family and friends!

    The truth is - there are people all over the country that have you in prayer right now!!! Isn't that incredible?!? So welcome again :)

    Laura

  25. Baby Step: Start-Up Advice for Newbies

    in Looking to Adopt

    Posted

    My husband and I are wanting to adopt. We had a private adoption lined up but the birthmom went into renal failure and the babies passed away. Neither of us (or our families) had experienced that kinda loss. The birthmom was in her 8th month. God challenges us, but he has yet to lead us astray.

    I think our next step is to talk to other families who are wanting, are currently and have adopted. Where do we really start? Iti s so overwhelming! I have some co-workers who have rave reviews about Abrazo and suggested that I seek guidance from the "Abrazo Family" online. Any advice or guidance that anyone could provide that would be great.

    I hope this is working. It is my first time in the forum. Thanks so much:)

    FNLW

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are so right - God is always beside us or carrying us. And along our life's journey, God places angels in our path to help us along the way.

    There is no time like the present :) And you are already making steps to healing and hope! Chip and I are hoping to adopt - and we KNOW it will happen. We just need patience :) I encourage you to make a call to Abrazo and chat with Angela. She is incredibly helpful and will answer your questions.

    Also, I am unsure what part of TN you live - but there are a number of support groups out there. One in Memphis is Hearts for Adoption @ Christ United Methodist. It is a wonderful resource!! And also check out Hannah's prayer - it's a national organization and is online. There are a number of support groups scattered throughout the US.

    Also - feel free to email me. Chip and I went to the January orientation, and we have made some lifelong friends there :rolleyes:

    You will find incredibly loving and supportive folks here online!!!

    Laura

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