I did know that I already loved my baby more than anything else in the world, so every decision made from that point on was made completely out of love. I was twenty-one years old with nothing or no one to support me. So, I chose to place my child for adoption.

I was that girl, you know, the one with the teenage pregnancy. But I was carrying more than just an unexpected life; I was carrying the weight of the shame of my sin. Even amid my circumstances, the Lord met me where I was, and my life since November 19th, 2022 has never been the same. 

Here's a lovely story about a woman who chose adoption for her baby. It's not an easy path, but we are stronger than we may think!

Cross-country running star, marching band member, honor roll student, youth leader are some of the ways you could have described Kayla Marie (above) when she was sixteen years old. Well-liked by her teachers and peers, Kayla was breezing through high school until she discovered her unintended pregnancy. Teen mom was not a description she ever expected. 

When I was a teenager, I faced an unplanned pregnancy. Due to the influences around me, I nearly decided to terminate. During my first visit to the clinic, while lying on the exam table, the medical staff discovered that I was further along than the ultrasound had initially indicated.

Maryellen chose adoption for her son and chose his parents, Pauline and TJ. “Chicago Parent” ran a beautiful story of how everyone helped to shape a new, larger family.