Emily’s Story

Emily joined us for coffee at the baby steps house a few weeks ago to discuss her story about adoption. Emily is a sophomore at Auburn University and radiates joy and kindness. She is majoring in Human Family and Development Studies. Emily reached out when she heard about the mission of Baby Steps and felt compelled to share her story about the receiving end of someone who did not give up on her. 

"My birth mother got pregnant with me at 19" she said. "She and my dad weren't in a relationship and barely knew each other." My birth mother made the brave choice of continuing with her pregnancy even though she knew she couldn't give me the best life possible. She didn't want to raise me without a dad in the picture."
Emily was in foster care for about a week or so after she was born but had two loving parents eagerly waiting to adopt her. "My mom wanted to have five children but never could. She had been praying for me for years and could never get pregnant." Emily said she didn't realize for years that her story was different from anyone else's. She had baby pictures to look at, a loving home, and two parents who adore her, but she is forever grateful to her birth mother. "My birth mother completely did it on her own and I am forever grateful that she chose to have me." We asked Emily, If there is one thing you could tell your birth mother now what would it be? And her answer was beautiful.

​"Thank you. I know how selfless it was to give me a chance at life. She put my life before her own and that is the truest act of love."

Emily knows very little about her birth mother today. She knows that she went on to finish school and now is a very successful business woman whom never married and still lives in Texas. Emily's birth mother has spoken to Emily's mother several times over the course of her life, but Emily still does not know who her father is.

​We are so thankful that Emily chose to share her story with us and hopes it inspires others. 

***Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this post belong solely to the author, and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs and viewpoints of Baby Steps.