Testimonials > Adoptive Families > Dario & Elena

"Miracles do happen!"

There was no doubt in my heart that someday I would be a mother and give my unconditional love to my child. Never did I imagine that this child would not be biological, but a “MIRACLE” given to me by another woman, “the birth mother”. I think about how fortunate I am that there are so many unselfish women whom give adoptive parents the gift of new life.

I must admit, before I was challenged with infertility, adoption never occurred as an option to me. I assumed I would carry and birth my own child. After completing the adoption process I realize that a child of adoption is not a choice, but a gift that I was lucky enough to receive. The process of completing my family with our daughter through adoption fulfilled my hopes and dreams the same as it would have with a biological child.

Upon my research to adopt I reviewed the choices of local agency adoption verses other options. I chose to adopt using a facilitator. I felt more flexibility and control and thought the process would be faster. I must say, I had no idea how fast! I made my first call to A Labor of Love Adoptions in May 2003, began my biography and profile while I searched for an agency to do my home study. In June 2003, I mailed my biography, profile and payment to A Labor of Love Adoptions and began my home study. I completed my home study July 16 th 2003 and the last week of August 2003 I received a call that my husband and I had been chosen to be adoptive parents to a baby that was due November 7, 2003.

I contacted the birth mother immediately. Scared and uncertain what to expect, I was pleased to find that we had an immediate connection. We shared many conversations over the next weeks. She forwarded photographs of her children and the ultrasound of the baby. I was already in love with my unborn child! I had planned to be at the birth, plane reservations were made. On October 20, 2003 I received a call that the baby was on the way. I was excited and happy about her arrival, but emotional that my presence during her birth was on the phone and not in person.

With a sudden change of plans, my husband and I were off on the next arranged flight. I was holding my daughter at just 16 hours old looking into her eyes. When I felt her warm body and heartbeat against me the unconditional, undeniable love I felt was confirmed. I was overwhelmed with tears as the love that I felt in my heart instantly embraced us and bonded us together as a family.

Over the next few days my husband and I had an opportunity to spend time with the birth mother and thank her. We were able to share life stories and reassure her she should have no concerns about our life-long love and devotion to our daughter. Her integrity and strength moved us. She is truly an amazing woman. Her main concerns were for our happiness in our new life with our daughter.

We were present when the birthmother signed her consent and revoked all rights to her child, now “our daughter.” We were filled with different emotions, tears of sadness for her sacrifice and tears of joy for our happiness. When looking back at the process of our adoption, it wasn’t easy, there were some kinks along the way, but there are with any life experience. To me it felt more like a fairy tale with a happy ending.