“We Are Family Now”
At Spirit of Faith Adoptions, we believe that open adoption can be a beautiful gift for everyone involved. But that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. That’s why we’re so thankful for adoptive parents like Barb, who walk this road with intention, prayer, and a heart full of grace.
Barb is both an adoptive mom and a Fireweed Retreat volunteer. Her story is full of tenderness, perseverance, and honest encouragement. Below are a few of her reflections we hope will bless and encourage you—whether you’re an adoptive parent, birth parent, or simply someone who loves and supports the adoption community.
For Barb, the sense of family she’s built with her child’s birth mom comes not through grand gestures, but through consistent love expressed in meaningful, everyday ways—like hanging monogrammed stockings at Christmas for birth family members, or exchanging silly pictures of googly eyes to stay connected across the miles. It’s these small acts of thoughtfulness that remind everyone involved: you matter, you belong.
“I want my child’s birth mother to understand that this adoption is not a business transaction—she has worth to us as a family, and we are family now.”
She also encourages adoptive parents to lead with gentleness and curiosity when building relationships with birth moms. “Ask her what she likes to do. Does she have hobbies? We found out our daughter’s birth mother loved to perform—just like our daughter! I loved that they had that in common.”
And to birth moms who wonder if their presence makes a difference, Barb offers this heartfelt assurance: “IT MATTERS!!! That puzzle piece in your child’s heart—only you can fill it.”
Her experience volunteering at the Fireweed Retreat, our annual gathering of biological moms, has only deepened her love and respect for the women who walk this brave path. “Seeing these beautiful, extraordinary women in one space is so emotional for me. Fireweed is a chance for these precious women to know that not only are they not alone, but that we love them and hold them in high esteem.”
As Barb’s story reminds us, God is always at work—knitting hearts together in love, even when the path is uncertain. Keep trusting Him with the story He’s writing.
