Sometimes, all it takes is a Google search…or so it seemed to Ashlyn, who was beginning to explore options for building a family. Her heart was calling her to adopt an older child, which naturally led her to Indiana Adoption Program, where the average age of children waiting for families is 12. Even before Ashlyn had a chance to meet Karissa, she felt connected to the little girl: they had both experienced loss and being given up on. During the interview, Ashlyn’s convictions were clear to the child’s team: this was not how Karissa’s story was going to end.
That’s not to say that it was the easiest journey for either of them. It was surprising to Ashlyn how many people seemed to come out of nowhere to remind her of the “negatives” of adopting an older child, or adopting from foster care. She doesn’t disagree on some points: there are some tough things you have to face if you’re going to build your family in this way. But, there are so many more positives! Ashlyn says that taking photos of fun experiences they had together, developing a positive mantra, and reminding herself daily of why she had embarked on this path were all ways that she was able to stay focused. That focus was especially important when the timeline for adoption changed or when there was new information that had to be absorbed.
Ashlyn also credits her daughter’s team with playing important roles in their lives, from the foster care case manager to their adoption consultant to team leads – everyone on the team was there for a reason, and they were all intent on reaching the same goal: bringing Ashlyn and Karissa together as a forever family. Even with some frustrating times, Ashlyn knows that the “final adoption hearing is all worth it!”