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Jessica
is a 16 year old Birth Mother who began her adoption
planning with A Child's Waiting. She feels that
an open adoption would be best for her and her
son. Co-Director Jennifer Marando, offered her
counseling and guidance during the entire process.
Jessica had total control over how her adoption
planning was conducted. She chose to interview
five families for her son. |
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After
interviewing the five families, Jessica selected
Tina and Daniel. She "knew right away"
that they were the perfect family to raise her
son. On October 5, 2003, Ryan Liam was born.
She cared for him the entire time while she was
in the hospital and the adoptive family came
and visited. |
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Jessica
was surrounded by her entire family when the
time came to sign the permanent surrender. It
was a very difficult time for her but with the
love and support of her family, she was able
to make the ultimate sacrifice for her son. Although
it was the most difficult thing she ever had
to do, Jessica knew that she was making a good
decision. She believed that Tina and Dan could
offer Ryan Liam the stabilty that she wanted
for him. |
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Tina
and Dan waited anxiously to see whether or not
Jessica would follow through with her adoption
plan. This is an emotional itme for both the
birth family and adoptive family. |
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Jessica
did move forward with the adoption plan with
confidence. She knew that she was making a good
choice for her son, and felt sure that Tina and
Dan will meet all of Ryan Liam's needs. Tina,
Dan, and the entire family welcomed Jessica and
her family into their own. They have become a
much larger family with the common love and concern
for the baby. |
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Barbara
Walters followed Jessica and all the families
involved in this story. She visited Cleveland
to film a special episode of 20/20 airing on
ABC. |
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Jessica
and Barbara at the filming 6 months after the
adoptive placement. |
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Five
families were involved with Jessica, but Tina
and Dan were selected for her son. The other
four families were all matched with children
within three months of Ryan Liam's birth. Each
have various levels of openness with their children's
birth families. |
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