National Adoption Month - Tori and Michael
“They may not have my eyes, they may not have my smile, but they have all of my heart”
During this holiday season many of us are asking for presents under the tree, Tori and Michael however, are asking for the present of a baby in their arms. November is National Adoption Month, and I was asked, a couple of months ago, to take pictures of this amazing family. The reason I was asked, was for their adoption page, in hopes of getting a baby of their own. Tori had emergent surgery, no longer allowing her to conceive or carry on her own, and Michael also dealing with his own struggles with infertility, they decided to adopt.
They moved down to St. Petersburg from North Carolina, they love the outdoors, taking hikes together, and being out on the water. Michael plays the guitar, soccer, but disc golf is his favorite. Tori is an avid animal lover and volunteers her time and home to injured wildlife. They also have a very strong Christian Faith that is also helping them through this. They are praying this holiday season, they will get their gift of their baby.
Because it is National Adoption Month, here are some facts about adoption. There are several different ways to adopt; Foster Care, Private Agency, International, relative/kinship, and Adult Adoption. Some adoptions can cost between $30,000 – and $50,000. In Foster Care there are 400,000 children. “They range in age from infant to 21 years old (In some states). The average age of a child in foster care is more than 8 years old, and there are slightly more boys than girls.” This information is from AdoptUsKids.org.
Dealing with infertility, making the choice for your family to adopt, and how to adopt, is a very hard and personal decision. Support during a hard and long journey is a very important thing. If you know a family that is adopting, or trying to adopt, please ask how you can help support them.
