Adopted People Share Their Stories

Hear some adopted children's stories
It's natural to wonder how an adopted child may feel later in life about being adopted.  What role has adoption played in their life?  How do they understand the decision their birthparents made to place them for adoption?
Here are some stories from adopted people of all ages.

"Having my adoptive family and birth family has helped me stay open-minded. I grew up in a different kind of family, but for me it's normal...just like for my best friend who was born to his family -- that's normal for him. And I've seen all kinds of families -- but for me, this is just my life, and it's normal." - Max, age 17

"My birthmom is nice. I get to go to the movies with her, and I see her on holidays and on my birthday." - Kayla, age 11

"I really like baking pies or cookies with my birthmom...and sometimes we even capture frogs -- or we'll find tadpoles and watch them grow into frogs." - Will, age 9

"Adoption is just another part of my life. It doesn't make me any different. All of my friends think it's so cool that I'm adopted, and everyone's always asking me about it." - Michelle, age 15

"To me, adoption means life. I do think about my birthmother. Every year, I look up at the stars and hope -- I wish, that she is looking up at the same moment. If I could say anything to her, it would be 'thank you.'" - Bill, age 25

Sarah and Rachel's Story
Sarah Vesely, 16, was placed with Robin and George Vesely through The Cradle in November of 1994. Her sister Rachel joined the family five years later. In this piece, published in her high school literary magazine, Sarah writes movingly about her relationship with Rachel – and about the deep bond that ties these very “real” sisters together “I was the first person in my family, outside of my parents, to hold my sister. I had only just turned five at the time, and did not quite understand the logistics of adoption…”

Anne H.'s Story
I had every advantage and was so grateful that my birth mother had been so unselfish in allowing another family to raise me.
People always ask me if I remember a moment when my parents told me about being adopted but I don't have a specific memory. I have always known that I was born to another family but adopted and raised in the Runkle household.

Jalissa's Story
I let everyone know that I am an adopted person
As a young adult, Jalissa feels it is important to cast adoption in a positive light.

Anne's Story
I don’t remember the first time I learned I was adopted
"It wasn’t like in the movies: There was no shocking revelation or teary-eyed confession. It has just always been a part of who I am.

Delaney's Story
Meet Delaney - Adopted from The Cradle
"My name is Delaney, and I was adopted from The Cradle. I am twelve years old. I have a mom and dad living with me right now, and a dog. And I am very close to them and I love them a lot."

Father Ken's Story
Meet Father Ken
"The Cradle has always been a real source of grace in my life," said Rev. Kenneth C. Simpson, pastor at St. Clement Church in Chicago's Lincoln Park community.

Meet Amy
"I was adopted when I was four months old....." Watch Amy's video

Meet Rachel - Adopted from The Cradle
"My name is Rachel. I'm 17 and I was adopted from The Cradle when I was 2 weeks old" Watch Rachel's video

Meet Aaron - Adopted from The Cradle
"I grew up always knowing I was adopted...." Watch Aaron's video

Meet Sheryl - Adopted from The Cradle
"My brother and I are both adopted from The Cradle...." Watch Sheryl's video