I was 15 years old when I had to make one of the hardest decisions of my life. Not a day went by that I didn’t think of my son. Was he healthy and happy? What did he look like? Will there ever come a time when he wonders about me?

I really had no idea of how to begin searching. I had registered on a couple of adoption websites and thought I would probably have to wait until my son searched the same websites to connect. It was about a week later that I met Patricia. Not only did she help me find my son but she also provided great insight and support through the entire process. In less than 2 weeks my life was changed forever!

The day that I had been looking forward to for 20 years finally came. Patricia called me and told me that I was going to be speaking to my son in just a few short minutes. The first few words seemed awkward but soon the conversation was flowing and we talked for almost 2 hours. By the end of the call we had made plans to meet.

I flew to Texas 3 days later and no words can describe the feeling of seeing and holding my son for the first time in 20 years! As we spent the next 3 days talking and getting to know each other I realized my life would never be the same again. Although I have loved him since the day he was born - nothing prepared me for the love I felt in my heart when I could actually look into his eyes and see my own. All of my doubts and fear of rejection soon melted away as I learned what a beautiful person he had become and that he loved me return.

Although there are truly no words that can describe how wonderful this experience has been for me, the words that I will never forget are hearing my son say “I love you Mom”.

Lisa Carpenter