I just have to say this....

I found this Web site, which is LDS Family Services and I just need to quote a few things/stories that really impacted me.

https://www.itsaboutlove.org/ial/ct/eng/site/pregnant/

"Taking care of each other means encouraging each other to do the right thing, in whatever circumstance. As wonderful as it might be to have a new baby in the family, would it truly be the best thing for the baby? The eternal welfare of this little child must be the absolute priority. Remember that sometimes caring means letting go."

-Linda, birth grandparent

"Growing up, I didn’t always make the best decisions. I never really understood how this affected my life and those around me until I became pregnant and was suddenly responsible for another human being. I knew then that I had an important decision to make, and for the first time in my life, I wanted to make the best decision possible—not for me, but for my baby.
I knew I could raise her myself but that it would be very, very hard. I wouldn’t be able to give her everything she deserved. I started exploring my options by going to counseling at LDS Family Services. They showed me the cost of things like diapers, clothes, different formulas, rent, and daycare, and then I had to think about the other bills I had to pay. Not only would I need to take care of myself, but I would need to take care of another person too.
I didn’t know how I could possibly be there enough for my child during her first few years of life while I worked and went to school full-time. She would hardly have time to spend with her mommy, which is so important during the growing-up years. I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom so I could always be there for her, but there was no one to support both of us.
This led me to the question, how could I possibly raise her without a dad? I never wanted to hear the words “Is this my daddy?” come out of her mouth. I also didn’t want to worry about whether the guys I dated would care about both of us. I wanted her to have a dad who would be there for her every day of her life. I wanted her to have a dad who would compliment her and show her how much he loved and cared about her, so that she would know of her great worth. I wanted her to grow up with parents who loved each other so that she could know how to love and how she should be loved in return. I wanted her to have stability and to not have to travel from parent to parent. Most important, I wanted her to be happy. There was so much I wanted to give her and so much I thought she deserved—and it seemed impossible to give it to her all on my own.
During the nine months I was pregnant, many nights were sleepless nights. I would lie in bed sobbing, telling my baby how much I loved her and that somehow I would make sure she had everything she needed and more.
After many prayers and lots of tears, I finally made the decision that was hardest for me but best for her. I chose adoption.
As I searched through the numerous couple profiles, I looked for people who reminded me of myself and what I valued most. Although I wasn’t happy with the birth father for not being involved, I looked for couples who reminded me of him too. I ended up choosing parents who seemed perfect for my daughter. They even liked to ice skate, which was something the birth father liked. Through this couple, I gave my baby everything I would have loved to give her.
After I made the decision to place her for adoption, I started to feel as though she wasn’t mine. I knew she belonged with this family and that I had made the right decision.
Placing my baby was the hardest experience I’ve ever had, but it has gotten easier. I know that time heals all wounds. Through this experience, I have learned of my self-worth. My child is a true blessing in my life, and because of her, I know how truly important it is to make good choices and live life in the right way. She has taught me what true love is and how I should be loved. I love her more than words can say, and I love the opportunity to watch her grow. I know she will have the best life. Seeing her happy makes me so happy! "

- Loni, Birth Mother