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MOTHERHOOD UNTOLD: ADOPTION AWARENESS MONTH

*You are not alone. Our blog series, Motherhood Untold, tells the stories of real moms navigating motherhood's struggles, triumphs, and challenges.

In this installment of 'Motherhood Untold', we're honored to share the story of Becca Graham, a former FIT4MOM franchisee whose journey through adoption has shaped her life and influenced the FIT4MOM Fort Worth community. Becca’s experience as a mother through adoption sheds light on the complexities, joys, and profound impact of this unique path to motherhood.

THE START OF MOTHERHOOD

My name is Becca Graham. I grew up in Southern California until age 13, then my family relocated to Texas, where I still live years later. My husband and I have a 12-year-old biological son (from an unexpected pregnancy), an 11-year-old daughter adopted through foster care, a 9-year-old boy who joined our family a few years ago via guardianship, and an 8-year-old biological son. Although I thought my career path would lead me to social work, instead I’ve had the privilege and joy of being a FIT4MOM franchise owner for the past eight years.

Another thing that has continued to be a surprise has been my motherhood journey. Our oldest son was born when I was only 22 years old. Fresh out of college, getting pregnant a few months after getting married was never in our plans. Little did we know that building our family wouldn’t ever fit into a neatly laid plan.

THE FOSTER CARE EXPERIENCE

My husband and I were both aware of the need for safe foster homes in our community and thought, “why not now?”. Since I was already home with our son, we decided to become certified foster parents. The day after we completed our certification, we received a call for a short-term placement. A premature baby came into our lives and unexpectedly became our daughter 18 months later.

After finding our footing post-foster care, we became pregnant with our youngest son. When he was three years old, we received a message from an old family friend of my husband’s, asking if we knew anyone who could take care of a five-year-old boy. I knew in my gut that we could open our home again, and a few weeks later, that child arrived on a plane and has been with us for four years now!

THE EMOTIONAL LANDSCAPE OF ADOPTION

With each addition, it felt like becoming a new mom all over again. I experienced fear and insecurity awaiting labor, the CPS car, and the airplane, wondering if I had what it takes to be a mother to these kids. However, I also felt immense gratitude, adventure, and awe at the wild ride life can offer.

An adult adoptee in a local group recently described adoption as “beautiful, traumatic, and complicated,” and I couldn’t agree more. My goal is never to replace my kids’ biological parents but to honor them with honesty and compassion in our home. We can hold the 'what ifs' and reality simultaneously, knowing that in a perfect world, Z and M would be living with their biological families. For various reasons, they live with us instead, and we embrace this journey with all of its complexities. I am honored to be their mom and also acknowledge that others have filled this role in their lives in different capacities.

ADVOCACY FOR FOSTER CARE ADOPTION

Adoption can seem beautiful, especially in online videos or stories about people being matched in the adoption process. However, it's important to recognize that adoption stems from loss. There's a misconception that infants adopted at birth don’t experience loss because they don’t remember their biological family. But growing research in psychology, attachment, and child development shows that separation at any age can cause trauma. Adoption is a vital part of society, but it's crucial to be aware of the grief that affects at least one party in the adoption triad: biological parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees.

When meeting an adoptive family, it's important to approach with sensitivity and avoid making assumptions. A simple, respectful inquiry like, “Tell me about your family,” allows the family to share what they feel is appropriate. This respects their privacy and the children's stories.

There are many paths to adoption. I encourage those interested in adoption to consider being matched with a child in foster care whose parents' rights have already been terminated or relinquished. These children need permanent homes, and the outcomes for those who age out of the foster system are often dire. If you have the capacity in your heart and home, you could be the support a child needs to thrive into adulthood and beyond.

I am thankful to be part of the FIT4MOM community that embraces my family and motherhood journey. I want all moms to know that even if their experience of motherhood looks and feels different, they are not alone. There is always a place for you at FIT4MOM.

We thank Becca for sharing her heartfelt story, and we send her and her family all of our love and support! All moms need a village, and Becca, we are privileged to have you as a part of ours.