A Forever Family

The road to parenthood for Vanessa and Cory has been long, tedious and at several times very painful.  It began with trying to start a family the old fashioned way.  A year and a half later with no positives on the pregnancy test, Vanessa and Cory consulted with a fertility specialist.  Vanessa underwent several tests and surgeries before attempting in vitro fertilization.  Over the course of the next couple years, IVF failed three times.  It was clear to them that God wanted them to create their family through adoption. 

Vanessa and Cory poured their hearts into completing all the necessary paperwork, the classes and their book to be presented to birth mothers.  In June of 2012, they were selected.  After seven months of hopeful and attentive waiting, the birth mother kept the baby and they were left with empty arms and a beautiful nursery for a baby girl.  A few weeks later while entering an adoption attorney's office, Vanessa shared the waiting room with a potential birth mother.  She felt a pull on her heart and applied to adopt that young woman's three children (2 boys and a girl).

Their names are Jonathon, Julian, and Brooklyn.  They are beautiful, healthy and fulfilling the dreams of parenthood for Vanessa and Cory.  The story of these babies and how they came into the lives of their forever family is not a pleasant one.  After being removed from the home several times and placed with family guardians, these children (ages 4, 2, and 1) are finally safe.  And now they will finally know how being loved in a stable and caring home will feel. 

Adopting older children has unique challenges and creating a family of five overnight has great financial and emotional burden.  It is a challenge that Vanessa and Cory have lovingly opened their hearts to and with amazing grace God has opened doors for this process to be as streamlined as possible.  They have several needs as a family, some they expect and some that will be unexpected.  As their friends and family we want to help in the best way possible.

Those of us with children will empty our closets and attics to bring toys, clothes, sippy cups and diapers.  However, there is financial need around every corner.  These children will need ongoing counseling, extra attention to their schooling and possibly private therapy to address speech needs.   If you are someone who would be sending a gift to welcome these children, please consider a monetary contribution instead. 

We are creating a fund to pay for therapy, tutoring, counseling and school.  This fund will be giving these children gifts that will benefit them for the rest of their life.  An outfit is good for a few months, emotional health will help them to transition easier, attach quicker to their parents, and identify any learning needs that once addressed will lead to academic success.  Vanessa and Cory are going to give these children the gift of security, love and stability and we can help support them by providing financial gifts to their children.  

{written by Sarah Chaloupek}