Cheerleading, golf team, varsity basketball team, and youth group are just a few of the organizations I held leadership roles when I became pregnant at 16. Raised in a small Texas town, everyone knows everyone and word travels fast so I was very concerned about how the people in my town would react. I soon found that people do realize that mistakes are made and everyone was supportive.

I was in my first serious relationship, and at ages 16 and 17, my boyfriend and I had to make the most difficult decision of our lives. We honestly didn't know what to do. We were not alone though because we are blessed to come from Christian homes with very supportive parents. We decided to explore adoption and parenting. When I first heard the words "open adoption," I found out that I could place my birth daughter in a stable, loving, Christian home, and still be able to have a relationship with her and her family.

Throughout the decision making process the birth father and I discussed real life situations, like the dreaded budget, with our case worker. At 17, I had no clue how much it cost to raise a child and it really opened our eyes. We also made a list of pro's and con's for parenting and adoption. The list included a side for us and a side for the child. After much prayer and discussion, the birth father and I decided open adoption was the best choice for the child and for each of us.

We began to look through adoptive family profiles. All the families were Christians which was important to us. We were also looking for a stay-at-home mommy. We began to gradually narrow down the families after much prayer, discussion, and input from our parents. We soon were confident that we had found the perfect parents for our daughter. At that moment our families became one.

It has now been 4 ½ years and I can say without any doubt, with the Lord's hand guiding us, we DID find the perfect family for Taylor. It was still difficult at first - placing Taylor in her parent's arms. Each time I saw the happiness in Taylor's eyes and how wonderful her parents were, I became more at peace with our decision. She had everything I wouldn't have been able to give her and I could continue to pursue my dreams, while watching her grow, showing her I truly love her, just being a part of her life and building a relationship with her family.

Our relationship developed through phone calls and visits. In open adoption building a relationship with the child and her parents is very important. Over the years our relationship has developed as a family and in other ways we never imagined at 17. Her parents have been role models, best friends, and like a brother/sister to me. I can not imagine what my life would be like without them. They have been there for me through good and bad, as I have for them, and I know it will always be this way for the rest of my life.

My heart jumps for joy each time Taylor whispers to me in her sweet voice "I love you." She does love me! She knows that she grew in my tummy and the Lord picked the two wonderful people to be her parents. Since I am part of her life, I will be able to answer any questions she may have in the future about her adoption. Most importantly, she will always know how much I care for her, because I will be here not only to tell her, but to show her my love.

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