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Angela's Story

After Angela's baby was born, she didn't want to look at the newborn, afraid of what she might feel. Unwed and just turned 20, Angela had made the decision to place her daughter for adoption. But she'd promised herself that when the baby was born, she'd take just one peek before making up her mind.

"When I finally saw her, I knew deep in my heart that I couldn't provide the life for her that others could. It was the hardest thing I've ever done, but adoption would give her -- and me -- a chance," recalls Angela of the difficult decision she made nearly five years ago.

Today, Angela is leading an independent life on her own. "If I had made the decision to keep the baby, I would probably be working a minimum-wage job and living with my parents. I'm not the same girl I was then."

Abortion was considered by Angela, but only briefly. Her adoption decision came only a few months before the baby's birth, when suddenly "everything was becoming a reality."

Gladney was the only agency Angela contacted because when she visited, everyone was so warm, friendly and sincere. Two days after her tour of the campus, she moved into the dorm to await the baby's birth.

Birth mothers who make adoption plans through the Gladney Center for Adoption can live on campus, or at home while participating in the agency's Community Service Program. Angela elected to live on campus. She wanted to be in a positive, nurturing environment and to avoid small-town criticism.

Her decision to place her baby through Gladney was made only when she learned adoptions are no longer closed. "I didn't want to give up a child that I was never to know anything about -- what she looked like, what kind of interests she had, whether she needed braces. Gladney was suggested because I could be involved in picking the family for my child."

After reviewing profiles of prospective parents, Angela says she knew the family she chose was "the one" because so many things about them made the adoption feel like destiny. Today, the family corresponds with her through Gladney's Post Adoption Services Department a couple times a year, giving her updates and sending pictures.

While Angela understands that adoption isn't for every woman, the experience has made her less judgmental, more open and understanding. "At first I didn't want a lot of people to know [about the adoption], but now I want everyone to know and for them to be 'adoption friendly.' "