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Kerry Barrett ReportingThey're stories of love, hope and courage -- a celebration of life. November is National Adoption Month. There are a lot of myths surrounding adoption, and often just as many questions. KSL’s Kerry Barrett spoke with some adoptive families and is sharing their stories.
Beautiful little five-month old Olivia was not always a part of Diana and John Morrison's life, but they believe she was always meant to be. With four children between them, Diana and John felt strongly there was still room in their family for another baby.
Diana Morrison: “But we couldn’t. We just kept trying, but couldn’t.”
When the subject of adoption came up each had mixed emotions and more than a few questions. Are there age limits? Limits on the number of children? Do you have a choice?
Diana Morrison: “There’s a lot of myths about adoption. You’ll never get a baby, it’ll take two or three years, and there’s so much heartbreak.”
And John admits he wasn't exactly sure how keen he was on the whole idea. Would it feel the same? Would they find a match? And, the biggest question of all...
Diana Morrison: “You think, you know, I love my own kids so much that how could I possibly love someone else’s child as much as my own?”
So they took their time, researched the process and spoke with other adoptive families. That's what sealed the deal for them. Every family they spoke with, every person involved, said the very same thing -- the child they adopted is in every sense of the word ‘family’.
John Morrison: "I was just shocked by um, the unanimous feeling of the child being part of the family from day one. It was like it was meant to be."
It was just a short while later that Olivia made her appearance.
Diana Morrison: "We got a phone call at 4 o'clock in the afternoon and they said they had another little baby girl sitting right next to them, and um, this is where I start to cry."
That's where Olivia and the Morrisons' individual stories join, weaving their way into one together.
Diana: "I don't know how I would ever describe that it doesn't feel any different. I forget that I didn't have her. You know, I don't know how to explain. There's a lot of times when I'll say 'Oh, she looks just like Mitchell when he was born.'"
John: "We wake up every morning and we go to bed every night and we just can't love her enough."
But, they say it's more than that. It's the gratitude and respect they have for mothers who love their children so much, they let someone else raise them. Their fears? None remain.
Diana: "Here hold her, hold her for a second and feel how real she is. I’ve had people say to me, ‘Oh well you’ve just really saved her’ and I say ‘No, no, she’s saved us.’"
Coming up Thursday and Friday, we'll meet two other adoptive families and hear their stories.
For more information, click on the adoption link or call 801-224-2440.
