Our Adoption StoryDamion & Romell

Starting Our Journey

Fatherhood was always important to us. Early in our relationship, we were grateful to discover that we shared the same dream of building a family that included children. After getting married, we explored adoption, but decided to strengthen our financial foundation first. Our initial path led us to fostering children. While we enjoyed that experience, we ultimately knew that we wanted to grow our family through private adoption. When we finally felt prepared, we began researching our options. We joined Facebook groups where people shared their adoption journeys, and learned all we could from their experiences. Then came the challenge of finding an agency that would honor our values and embrace us as a gay, Christian couple. Angel Adoption stood out immediately—their website showcased numerous same-sex adoptive families. This representation spoke volumes about their inclusivity and aligned perfectly with our need for an agency where we could feel truly seen and accepted.

God’s Design

While our initial path to adoption was slow and steady, our journey once we officially began the process moved pretty quickly, but it wasn’t without some disappointment. We signed-on in May 2023 and felt so hopeful when our first connection with an expectant mother happened in October 2023. For three weeks, we built what we thought was the start of a promising relationship, only to have that connection end. Strong in our Christian faith and surrounded by an incredible support system - our loving “tribe” - we held on to hope and began again. Then, in January 2024, we received the message that ultimately changed our lives forever. An expectant mother, already 8 months pregnant, wanted to connect with us. She didn’t want to see other profiles or explore other families. Her choosing us felt spiritually orchestrated. Our first conversation went wonderfully - she was incredibly sweet - and with her due date just one month away, we were excited to get to know all we could about her.

An Early Arrival

Two weeks later, in the early morning hours, we received a call from the expectant mom saying, “Hey, he’s coming!”, which we found funny because the baby’s sex was unknown. She often referred to the baby as a boy, and it turned out she was right. With his surprising arrival 2 weeks early, we needed to take care of a couple matters at home, then we excitedly and nervously made the 8 hour drive to the hospital. The next morning, when we were allowed in to see him, his birth mom was holding him with tears streaming down her face. It was the most humbling situation and scary at the same time, because we’re thinking, “Now she's bonded with him. Is she going to change her mind?” But she immediately asked if we wanted to hold him. He was so small we thought we’d break him. We then spent the next few hours studying all his precious details and falling in love with him. His birth mom continued to show her selflessness as she allowed us to make all the important parental decisions regarding immunizations, circumcision, and his name - Cameron. It was definitely a bittersweet day. While our hearts overflowed with happiness to welcome our son into our lives, witnessing his birth mother’s emotional struggles and sadness was extremely difficult. We will forever hold her in our hearts and be grateful for this precious gift.

Home Life

Having just two weeks between our connection and Cameron’s birth, we were definitely underprepared for life with a newborn upon returning home. Everything happened so quickly. We really needed that extra two weeks, but it is what it is. Thankfully, our wonderful tribe of family, friends, and church community stepped up and tackled our baby registry. We all made it happen. Cameron, who is now an active, curious toddler with an immense love of music, is surrounded by so much love and continues to thrive with his tribe around him.

Have Faith

For families considering adoption, our advice would be to have patience and reasonable expectations surrounding the waiting process. Also, as disappointing as it is, sometimes connections don't work out, but just continue to trust the process. The baby that is intended for your family will come to you at precisely the right time.