She pulls out a picture of a young girl. “This is the most recent picture they sent me,” she says, referring to her daughter’s adoptive parents. “It’s funny because my first plan wouldn’t have been like this.”

At fifteen, Audrey found herself pregnant and afraid. Her boyfriend had already broken up with her, saying he didn’t want anything to do with being a father, and Audrey had recently met with an adoption counselor. At no point in time had she considered choosing the parent. Her counselor helped her create the perfect adoption plan; she was at ease.

“The day my daughter was born, she suffered a seizure. After some testing, the doctors realized she had a condition that might mean a lifetime of health issues. Suddenly, the family I chose for her backed out. I didn’t know what to do,” the birthmother exclaimed.

Audrey still knew she wanted to choose adoption, but her plan fell through. Her adoption counselor sat with her and talked her through her next decision.

“I spent some time upset at first, and my counselor just let me confront my feelings. I needed that. Choosing adoption was hard enough. I never thought the family I chose would change their mind.”

Then Audrey was introduced to another couple waiting to start their family. “As soon as I read their file, I knew they were an even better choice. The first family was great, but seemed a little reluctant about staying in touch with me despite choosing open adoption. That was the only thing about them that didn’t feel just right. But this new couple wanted me as involved as I was comfortable with. And now I have this,” she said, holding up the picture of her now 3-year-old daughter.

Not only does Audrey get regular updates on her daughter, she was even invited to help name her! A couple times a year Audrey is invited to visit.

Audrey’s story gives comfort to birthmothers looking to choose adoption.

“When the family I picked for my little girl backed out, I was lost and angry. Nothing about my decision was easy, yet I had to do it again. But, now I know that I was just being given a gift–the chance to pick even better parents. And I get so much more out of this than I ever planned or hoped for.”

It’s hard to stay positive when everything seems to be going wrong; yet, it’s often an indication there is a better plan on the way.