One local mom couldn't be more thankful for the gift of her one-year-old daughter and as she celebrates Mother's Day with her baby girl. She is also commending her daughter's birth mom for her selfless act. Meet Morgan in this Adopt 8 success story.
"I can't imagine what life would be like without her, because she's the reason I'm here," said Elizabeth.
It was just over a year ago, when Elizabeth got the call that she had been matched with a newborn baby who was still in the hospital.
"She is a safe surrender baby. She was one-day-old when I was matched with her, and I commend her mother for the very brave thing she did for Morgan," continued Morgan. "We talk about her, her tummy mommy a lot. How brave her tummy mommy was to make the decision that she did. And so, we talk about that, and I want her to know about that."
Morgan is one of about 330 babies, who have been safely surrendered since the California law was enacted back in 2001. The law allows a parent to surrender a baby, three days or younger, at a hospital emergency room without fear of arrest or prosecution. And Elizabeth is so grateful to Morgan's birth mom
"I thank God everyday she made the decision that she did, and I hope Morgan will one day know who she is. It's very important to me. I think Morgan deserves that," explained Elizabeth.
And when Elizabeth looks at her beautiful daughter, she knows there couldn't have been a more perfect way to have become a mom.
"It's just been a fairy tale year," said Elizabeth. "She's the love of my life, and I can't imagine not having her. I'm so grateful to the San Diego County foster program because I'll be honest with you I went into it very skeptically, a little jaded about government managing much of anything, much less childcare."
But Elizabeth, who's a single mom, says she has received an incredible amount of support from the county.
"I have been amazed. The professionalism of the social workers that we have encountered never ceases to amaze me," noted Elizabeth. "We have terrific social workers. The thoroughness of the process, the quality of the classes that I took and continue to take. I wish every parent in America would be required to take some of those classes because they're helpful."
Elizabeth says she encourages anyone considering adoption to go through San Diego County.
"I would just tell single folks, you're not alone, and couples, I would say if you're looking for a variety of adoption options, look no further than home, because we have it in our own backyard and it's wonderful," added Elizabeth.
So wonderful Elizabeth is planning to do it again.
"Morgan deserves a sibling. I want her to have as much family as she possibly can have, and I don't think I'm capable of more than two, but I'm very close to my brother, and I would like her to have a sibling, a brother or sister," said Elizabeth. "It's been a terrific experience and it's just started. We just started."
If you're interested in adopting from foster care, call 1-877-I-ADOPT-U to learn more about getting started in the process.
The County of San Diego offers monthly orientation classes.
