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Hello everyone...this is my first post on the forum. It's 3:30AM and I'm struggling. So I looked for a place that may have some semblance of support.
To explain a little better, my husband and I have given two babies up for adoption.
Once in 2005 (we were only boyfriend/girlfriend at the time.) I got pregnant on the Pill while we were living in my aunts washroom outside. I remember being terrified. I've known since I was young that I lack that essential genetic makeup of a mother. It's not for me.
After much discussion between ourselves and NO support from our families, we decided adoption was the best route.
We found an amazing family, and things went smoothly. I gave birth on September 30th to a beautiful baby girl.
Sadly, my family turned on me afterward. My mother got pregnant with a new boyfriend, and despite telling me while I was pregnant "Don't expect any help from me" expected my SO and I to help her with her baby.
What's more, my Aunt actually CALLED the adoptive family and demanded money from them, without us knowing.
So the whole thing was tainted with bad feelings, something I've had to live with. We talked to the family ourselves and explained the situation as best we could, but it will forever be a black mark on what should have been a more happy situation.
In 2008, I became pregnant on the Depo Provera shot! By then my SO and I were married, but it made no difference, I knew that still, there was no way we could support a child. There is no way I could be a good mother. It's just not THERE. Everyone would always tell me, oh, you'll feel different when you have your own kids.
No, I didn't. I love them, I miss them horribly, but the fact remains, I would not be a good mother. I'm mature and selfless enough to KNOW that.
Again, we found a good family, and on September 29th I had a beautiful baby boy.
This adoption was done through an Agency and went smoother. (The first was done privately.)
But still...god it's hard. I had no support from anyone but my husband, and even there, it's lacking. His way of dealing with it is to put it behind him and to only remember the good. I wish it was only that easy.
As September continues, I can feel my emotional start to deteriorate. I really would like to write letters (BOTH adoptions were supposed to be fairly open with contact on both ends. I'm supposed to get pictures each year. So far, I've received nearly nothing from the first family, although the second family has sent pictures once through the agency.) but I don't know how to.
What should I write? SHOULD I write? Is it okay to write?
I'm not looking to intrude on their lives. I'm HAPPY with the choice we made. It's the RIGHT choice. I just...I'm feeling depressed.
I've been judged over this. Called selfish. My family and my husband's family turned on us. The things done were disgusting and revolting. Things that forever besmirched what should have been beautiful things.
I want to cry, but I'm scared if I start, I won't be able to handle myself and stop.
I struggle with the emotional conflict, that I feel so much grief, but that I still know I'm not mother materiel. Does that even make sense?
I have very few close friends. I am not a social person. The few close friends I have? Most of them are online friends. And a few of them know about it but...I just don't know. It's very hard to share these feelings with anyone.
Anyways...I don't know how many people will read this, or understand. But it feels better to let it out in a place that has other people who can possibly sympathize. For that alone..
Thanks.
I know so well how this feels. My son's birthday is in September too. Have you ever gotten counseling? Sometimes being able to talk to someone not involved is really helpful. What area of the country are you in?
Also, what kind of open adoption arrangement do you have? I would follow up with both families if you are supposed to have contact.
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I'm in Texas.
They were both supposed to be fairly open adoptions. We agreed to pictures sent at regular intervals.
So far, the first family has sent me almost nothing, which leads to an ugly resentment I hate...
The second family will send pictures if I contact the adoption agency and complain about the lack of pictures. I've gotten pictures once.
No counseling. Obviously through the first private adoption, it wasn't in the cards, was never offered, and I absolutely cannot afford it myself.
The agency the second time around claimed to offer it, but I never got it, was never offered, and since then, have basically been ignored by the agency. It's very difficult to get my agent on the phone, or get her to call me back!
I know it could probably help, but the expense is just not something I can justify, so I'm left to sort of get on on my own.
Is sending birthday cards okay? I hate feeling like I was a brood mare or whatever, and once they got their baby, I was discarded.
I'm sorry, I'm haboring a lot of frustration and resentment right now...it's very hard to deal with.
Definataly write, and keep a copy that way if the letter doesn't make it to the kids now, it will someday. I promise you that someday those letters will mean a lot to your kids. As an adoptive mom myself, I wish I could give my kids a relationship with thier first parents. In my situation it's not possible, at least not yet. I still have hope for one. I know that a letter would mean the world to my children. So please write it.
Thank you momraine.
I know part of me is very irrational right now, due to the overwealming mix of emotions. I may send birthday cards, and a short letter...not sure what to write really.
Hopefully the families will send pictures back. I can hope.
Epona142
Thank you momraine.
I know part of me is very irrational right now, due to the overwealming mix of emotions. I may send birthday cards, and a short letter...not sure what to write really.
Hopefully the families will send pictures back. I can hope.
Epona,
Send birthday cards...if you don't know what to write start off with something like. This time of year is very special and I just wanted to let you know that I am doing XYZ - hubby is doing XYZ and we are okay. It would also be good to include what you like to do in your spare time, hobbies, read etc so they get a feel of where you are right now. Also it provides a bit of precious info...if you have a upcoming plans that would be good too...and if possible a couple of pictures.
It seems like some men have a harder time talking than women about this but in reality they have pretty deep feelings too so take care of each other.
Birthdays were the time of year that I always wondered if my mother thought of me...a card would be precious. Just make sure you don't say anything to make the parents uncomfortable.
Take care - there are other mothers on this board so stick around and let them get to know you.
Take care,
Dickons
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