At BraveLove, we're dedicated to erasing the stigmas of adoption, and a big part of that involves sharing stories that honor birth mothers. As we all know, adoption impacts people forever. The journey isn't over after the decision has been made. That's why we love to stay connected with those who have shared their stories with BraveLove over the years, like Miranda.
Miranda placed her daughter for adoption four years ago. She shared her story with BraveLove shortly after she placed (see here). Today we're catching up with her to see what life looks like four years later.
How would you describe yourself today?
I am in a really good place with lots of support.
What do your days look like?
I get up at 5am spend an hour with God, trying to give my day to God. I wake up my three children at 6am. (Tristin 10, Candon 8 and Raelynn 6) They get ready for school while my husband and I get ready for work. We send the kids off to the bus, and we head to work. I work at Cigna where I spend 8 hours of my day on the phone. At 4 pm I go home make dinner with my husband and help with homework and then get kids showered and in bed by 8pm.
Knowing what you know today, what would you tell yourself 5 years ago?
Keep your head up. Do not rush God or yourself. Things will get better even on the darkest days. Do not be afraid to open up to close friends even if you don't think they will understand or judge you. 90% of the time they are willing to be there for you and hold you up when you can't hold yourself up.
What do you want the world to know about adoption?
Adoption is not easy even when God plays a giant hand in it all. Adoption is a beautiful and amazing alternative to abortion, but that does not make it easy for birth moms. If you know a birth mom, check-in on her from time to time about the adoption. See if she needs a shoulder to cry on —even if it is 10 years later.
What keeps you up at night?
I am currently pregnant. This pregnancy is four years after I chose adoption for my daughter. I am married this time and did it all right, but I feel guilty and struggle every day with being pregnant again.
What are you looking forward to this year?
Within the next year, I am looking forward to getting my family as a whole closer to God. My husband of almost a year recently found a love for Jesus and is on FIRE. I would love to watch my kids grow closer to God and surrender their lives over to Jesus as my husband and I have done. I also look forward to paying off all my debt by this time next year.
