“My husband and I have dreamed of adopting for nearly 12 years, knowing it would one day be part of our family story. In 2021, we moved to Florida to put down roots and officially begin the process. After many ups and downs, training, and match inquiries, we were overjoyed to be matched in March 2024 with three incredible boys—ages 9, 7, and 4—thanks to the unwavering support of our caseworker, Amanda. They moved in last July, and since then, we’ve focused on bonding, building trust, and growing together as a family.
Being an adoptive mother has taught me to let go of expectations and preconceived ideas of what family “should” look like. It means embracing the messy, complex nature of life interwoven with trauma and showing up with love, patience, and an open heart. It also means understanding that my little ones belong to more than just me. It’s okay for them to process their experiences, feel all they need to feel, and define what they want me to be in their lives. Our story is an ever-evolving one.
We are incredibly grateful to HOAA for partnering with us throughout this journey. They stepped in and supported us in ways no other agency could, walking alongside us every step of the way. Their guidance and care have made all the difference as we navigate this beautiful, imperfect journey of building our family.”
