I did not know a lot about adoption but it was something I wanted to look into. I had so many goals that I wanted to achieve. I was not financially or emotionally ready to be a mom. The baby deserved so much more than I could give.

     I remembered seeing an advertisement for Golden Cradle and decided to call. The support I received was unbelievable. Golden Cradle set me up with prenatal care and paid my medical costs. I worked with a counselor for the rest of my pregnancy. She was wonderful. She was more than my counselor, she was my friend. At a time like this, that is what you need. She never put any pressure on me. For those last few months of my pregnancy, my life was like a yo-yo. One day I was parenting and the next day I was placing. My counselor understood my feelings and was there to help me work through them.

     In September of 1985, I had a beautiful little girl. I had 72 hours and spent every moment with her. Adoptions at that time were not open so I did not have the opportunity to choose the adoptive couple, but I decided that this beautiful little girl deserved a good life. If she stayed with me, it would have been a struggle, and that was not fair to any of us. I signed the adoption papers, said good-bye to my daughter and off she went to her new family. I do not have an open adoption with my daughter and her family, but I do receive updates upon request.

     After my experience, I decided to take life one day at a time. I achieved all of my goals. I finished high school; I went to college and became a Social Worker. I also met a wonderful man and married him. Now I have a beautiful son.

     Even though I accomplished all that I had set out for, not a day goes by that I don't think about my daughter. Choosing adoption was the hardest decision I ever had to make. I've had my good days and I've had my bad, but I've never regretted by decision. I look back at my decision, and if I had it all to do over again, I would still choose Golden Cradle.

    Karen is still a Social Worker. If you would like to talk with her, call (800) 327- 2229 and we can have her call you.