In a world where hearts ache and dreams are made, few stories unfold in such a way that they seem touched by fate itself. Amanda Reyes’ decision to place her child for adoption is a journey filled with raw emotion, immense courage, and an unshakable belief that destiny was at play.
“I knew it was the right thing to do,” she says quietly, reflecting on one of the hardest decisions she has ever made. For Amanda, it was never about giving up— it was about giving Emilia the best chance at a life she couldn’t provide at the time. Despite the pain, Amanda felt deeply that adoption was the only choice.
What Amanda didn’t know was just how extraordinary her experience would be. It all started with the process of selecting the right adoptive family—a part of the journey she hadn’t fully understood at first. “I just thought they would take any baby who was going to be put up for adoption,” Amanda admits. “I had no idea the adoptive families actually choose profiles, and we get to choose them too.”
When the moment came, it felt like everything aligned. The adoptive mother shared that Amanda was the very first birth mother presented to them after they created their profile. The family had only been active for a few months, and their expectations were low—expecting that it would be years before they would even meet a potential match. But for Amanda, it was different.
“I saw their profile, and it was the third one I looked at. I just knew. There was something about them that reminded me of my own family. It was like fate had a hand in it.” She pauses, her voice filled with wonder. “How is it possible that I was the first mother they were shown, and I immediately knew they were the ones? There’s no way this could be anything other than fate—or maybe something greater than fate.”
Despite initial plans for a closed adoption, the adoptive family made it clear that they wanted Amanda to remain a part of their lives, and most importantly, they wanted Emilia to know her story. “I had always planned on a closed adoption, but when they came to me with open hearts, I just couldn’t say no,” she explains. “I’m grateful I made the choice for an open adoption because now, I get to see Emilia grow up and know she’s loved.”
This journey has been full of emotional highs and deep lows. “It still feels surreal. Like, did this really happen? Sometimes I feel like it’s a dream.” Yet, despite the emotional complexity, Amanda finds peace in knowing that Emilia is in the best hands. “They send pictures every week. Every time I get one, my heart swells. I know she’s happy, safe, and loved. That brings me peace.”
But there is a lingering ache. Amanda confesses, “I think about her every day. I miss her. But I know that I gave her the greatest gift—a family of her own. And in return, I got to see love, joy, and hope bloom in a family that dreamed of this moment.”
The support Amanda received from the adoption agency was also pivotal. “They were more than professionals—they became my advocates, my friends. My caseworker was there every step of the way, even during the C-section birth. I felt cared for, understood, and supported.”
Even the agency’s unexpected gesture, gifting Amanda three gift cards in December, reminded her of how grateful she was for their guidance. “I had doubts at first. I wasn’t sure if I could trust them. But looking back, I see how everything fell into place,” she reflects.
Though the process was undoubtedly difficult, Amanda’s journey through depression, uncertainty, and pain ultimately led her to a profound sense of purpose. “I know I did the right thing. All of the struggles, the worries, the tears—it all led to something beautiful. I gave this family what they always wanted: a child to love.”
In the end, Amanda believes that everything came together by design. “I can’t explain it any other way. It’s like fate had a plan for Emilia. I gave her life, but they gave her a home—and I truly believe that this was meant to be.”
Amanda’s story is one of incredible strength, unwavering hope, and the belief that sometimes, life’s greatest gifts are wrapped in the most unexpected of packages. Through heartache, she gave the world the gift of a family—one they’ll cherish forever.
Be First to Comment