I sat here this morning, reading the articles in this issue of Adoption Week and really took notice to the 14-year-old and her story. I am 40 and am adopted and have also given up a child for adoption. I have spent a lot of time in my life, especially my young adult years, thinking about my birth parents. What were they like? Do you think of me as much as I think of you? I used to imagine that my birth parents were famous people like Sonny & Cher when I was young! (Of course, not possible - no similarities what-so-ever but it was great fun to pretend!) I was raised by a very loving family and was afforded many great opportunities in life. I wish my birth parents could know this to feel their own comfort.

After giving up a child for adoption, I also know how our birth mothers feel. It is the hardest decision any person will ever have to make. I have left all of my information open so that we can follow up someday - if he would like to. I think the most important things we need to take from our own personal experiences and feelings are:

1) We are very lucky to have adoptive parents in this world who want and really love their children. My parents adopted two and had one of their own. You could never tell in my family by any relatives, who is adopted and who is not! They are brave and caring people that come into our lives when someone else can't be there to care for us.

2) We have very brave birth parents that made the painful and life-long decision to put us up for adoption. You must accept and feel in your heart their love and sacrifice they made for us! I am sure they never forget and their pain is intense for their loss. After all, they too suffered a loss just like us!

Life is too short as it is and we all need to love what we have been given and make the best of our lives. Don't we think that is what our birth parents and adoptive familes want for us all?

Best of luck and happiness to us all!

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Note: Our authors are dedicated to honest, engaged, informed, intelligent, and open conversation about adoption. The opinions expressed here may not reflect the views of Adoption.com.