OUR BIRTHPARENT LETTER

The birthparent letter is for the unsung hero who with great love is deciding to make the most difficult decision of a lifetime. We respect and appreciate your courage. Know that, if chosen, we will acknowledge you as a forever part of your child's, our child's, our shared child's life.

Dear Birthparents,

We have thought of you for years although we did not yet know you. You are the parent of our future child. God has blessed us with you. Thank you. Thank you for loving your baby so much that you would choose to make an extremely difficult decision in allowing us to raise him or her. We respect you more than words can express and are eternally grateful for you. We look forward to growing our family more than anything else on this earth. It is your decision and gift that makes this possible.

We love God with all our hearts, minds, and souls. We love each other deeply and are committed and bonded for life. We met in college almost 13 years ago and have been married for almost 7 years. Since that time we have traveled to many places throughout Asia, Europe, and Africa; have lived in several States including: New York, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Texas, and now settled in Maryland, where we have owned our home for the last five years.

Tory is a former Naval Officer and now works as a general engineer. I have a background in child welfare and now work as a program analyst.

We have experienced several seasons of life together, some full of laughter and some full of tears. We know of war and tragedy, but we also know of deep love and great joy. Throughout the years our challenges and our victories have taught us to make the most of each moment, cherish loved ones, and put our full trust in God.

On March 9, 2009 after nine months of pregnancy, our most precious gift - our son Xavier, was born still. Loosing Xavier has been by far the most difficult life challenge we have faced. He will be forever a part of our lives. He has taught us to never take this life for granted, to make the most of each day, and to love without reservation. He has also significantly strengthened our bond with one another.

We both enjoy spending time with family, close friends, and our 3 year old boxer - Seven. Tory is from rural South Carolina and I am from New York City. Three fun facts are: 1) Tory’s grandmother had 16 children 2) his mother is a twin 3) and we both are the babies in the family with two older brothers. Each holiday we alternate between spending time in South Carolina, New York, or Delaware (where my parents have purchased their retirement home). We also spend plenty of time with friends having game nights, watching movies, going to plays, dancing, hosting dinner parties, and dining out.

We share a passion for helping young people reach their full potential. Our objective is to aid youth in developing healthy self concepts and positive future goals. One of our greatest rewards is the opportunity to spend time with the children in our Saturday education program. The children are ages 5-12 and definitely keep us on our toes and entertained. Tory is able to combine his love for sports and games with his compassion and concern for others. I adore children and love working with people. At times, we both enjoy just being silly with our students.

We have also been afforded the opportunity to serve children orphaned by AIDS and Civil War in villages throughout Uganda. Our hearts and eyes have been opened in so many ways through those experiences. We have learned much about true sacrifice, love, and survival through the lives of the children in Africa.

What I love about Tory the most is that his love is complete. He is giving, supportive, extremely creative and tons of fun to be around- truly my best friend. He has been a great provider emotionally and financially. Other than choosing God to be in my life, he is the best part of who I am. It is a privilege to walk through this life with him. Often his friends not only look to him for company in sports activities and game play, but trust his insights and seek his advice. I know in my heart that Tory will be a wonderful father. I see it in his eyes every time he looks at a child or plays with our God-children, nieces, nephews, friend’s children, or the students in our program. Children are drawn to Tory’s youthful energy, kindness, and lightheartedness.

What I love about Autumn is her genuine love and concern for people. This is becoming a lost treasure in today’s world, so for me to say, “someone of Autumn’s caliber is rarely encountered,” is no exaggeration. She’s my crown jewel. She truly cares deeply for those around her. Her love for me is obvious to all. I have always felt secure in our relationship because of how she makes me feel that I am the only man who matters to her. She gives unconditionally to her relationships and is consistently the first person to come to the rescue when a friend is in need. Our friends have learned this over the past six years in the Washington DC area and will usually contact her first when trying to get advice or insight on a difficult matter. Autumn is a comforter to people wherein she has this amazing ability to put people at ease and make them feel invited. She seems like she’s always able to sympathize with others, regardless of what they’re going through. There is no question what type of mother she would make to our children. She’s worked in child education and childhood development programs most of her adult life, but beyond that, she is a genuine nurturer. She started a Saturday school for elementary aged kids not because someone else said so but because of her genuine love and concern. There are many other reasons I could list as to why Autumn would be a great mother, but I will mention only one: Above all, she is selfless and sacrificial. Autumn has the type of selfless heart and love that would make her exceptional in the most important job of all, molding and loving our children into well-rounded men and women.

We recognize that this is an extremely difficult decision. We admire and respect your courage, your willingness as a parent to sacrifice in order to provide the best opportunities for your child. Thank you for taking time to learn a little about us. We would be happy to talk or meet with you if you have additional questions. May: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26