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| Sunny Ridge Family Center is licensed as a child welfare agency by the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (#019976), and by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Division of Family and Children, as a child placing agency. |
 My first experience with open adoption was in the meeting of Krista’s parents, Eric and Laura. We met at my request about two weeks before I was due. My parents went with me to Sunny Ridge. We all wondered what they would be like. My biggest question was what we would talk about. As we sat down together, conversation flowed between us. There was a gentle, loving attitude shown. I felt like they cared about me and wanted to get to know me. We talked for two and a half hours which could have elapsed into four. As I left that night I had a peaceful mind and heart. After our meeting I truly knew they were the ones to raise my baby. I didn’t see or talk to Eric and Laura again until after the placement. I wanted to be the one to place Krista in their arms. I was very nervous waiting for them to come into the room. I didn’t know what to say or what they would say to me. As they walked into the room, I could see the excitement in their eyes. I could sense the love each of them had for Krista. We spent time passing the baby around, crying and talking as if we were one big family. Even with the grief and sadness I felt that night and in the weeks to follow, I knew what I had done was right for both Krista and me. I felt a great sense of love and pride knowing I was able to be a part of it. To this day, I correspond with Eric and Laura. For me, their letters and pictures have been very healing. I see Krista’s progress, the joy she brings to her family, and know that I have not been forgotten. Even though I lost a great deal, I have also found a great peace in my life. I do not know what my life would be like if I had chosen a different path two years ago, but I am very content with my life the way it is now.
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