Adoption. This has really it home to me over the past 5 years. I never thought I would get involved through photography with BraveLove, have a brother and sister-in-law adopt, friend who I have known since I was 2 adopt, or capture families who are looking to adopt. Their stories. Their excitement. Their joy. Their hope.

In 2015, I was asked to photograph an event for BraveLove. To hear the stories of birth moms, families who have adopted, and people influenced by adoption, hit home. I was honored to attend and be able to capture such special moments. The emotion of those attending watching videos, hearing stories and reuniting with friends.

Jump ahead a few years, and my childhood best friend has adopted 2 little girls, my brother and sister-in-law adopted a little boy, and I recently had the pleasure of photographing a couple waiting to adopt. It hits home. It’s changed me. I have seen the wait, the anticipation, the joy like it’s my own.

We welcomed our baby boy in March 2017, and this changed me. To watch my brother and sister-in-law love on him, in hopes of one day having their own little one. I wiped away more tears that weekend, but God has a perfect plan. He knew just what he was doing and why they were waiting. On May 17th, 2017, they got the call, and on September 7th of that year, their little boy was born. It has been a joy to watch him grow alongside our sweet Sutton. To see their sweet friendship already forming, and this summer to hear my little one talk about his cousin. They played animals together, pulled each other around in a wagon and ate more “pops” than I knew was possible. Watching my parents love on their two grandchildren. Our sweet nephew is so loved by friends, family, prayer warriors, his birth parents and their families.

I have continued to work with BraveLove and it’s a joy to watch what they are doing. As a birth mom, you need support, encouragement, and love from a group of others who have chosen to love their babies by doing what is best for them. You allow other mom’s and dad’s to parent your children out of love, courage and selflessness. You are strong and your willingness to do what’s best for your child is admirable.

If you are interested in learning more about Bravelove, please visit their website www.bravelove.org.