Episode 5: A Rainbow From Heaven
Introduction
Welcome to Perfectly Placed, a podcast dedicated to sharing genuine adoption stories that reveal their beauty, complexity, and authenticity. I'm Kate Migues, your host, speaking today with Angie, a mother who has experienced the joys and sorrows of both biological and adoptive motherhood. Angie's story is a profound journey of loss, hope, and love, and it is my privilege to share it with you.
Angie’s Family and Story of Loss
Angie Guillory, hailing from South Louisiana, unfolds her deeply personal journey as a mother. At 28, she gave birth to her son, Landon, after overcoming her first battles with infertility and miscarriages. Landon was a joyful presence, but his life took an unexpected turn with a diagnosis of stage four neuroblastoma just after his second birthday. Angie recounts the turbulent years of treatment, Landon's relentless fight, and the eventual heartache of losing him at a tender age.
Reflecting on her experiences as a mother, Angie speaks candidly about the challenge of maintaining hope and faith. Her journey was not one undertaken alone, with a strong support system including her family and friends. Through tears and tribulations, the resolve to carry forward Landon's legacy remained.
Opening Her Heart Again
After the devastating loss, Angie and her husband, Lon, began contemplating adoption. Despite Angie's history of grief, a longing for motherhood persisted, prompting conversations about extending their family. Overcoming personal adversities, including health issues, they ultimately decided to pursue domestic adoption.
Angie shared an unexpected connection she felt with a birth mother through a mutual acquaintance. A rainbow appearing on a significant day convinced Angie that this path was illuminated by both her late son Landon and her mother. This serendipitous confirmation led to the adoption of their daughter, Delilah, in 2020.
The Experience of Adoption
Angie's recounting of the adoption journey is emotional and raw. Experiencing both joy and sorrow, she passionately speaks about meeting Delilah's birth mother, the emotional struggle of witnessing her parting from her baby, and the gratitude they have for being chosen as Delilah's parents. Angie observes a miraculous connection between Delilah and Landon, asserting that Landon had a hand in bringing Delilah into their lives.
Embracing Open Adoption
Choosing open adoption was initially a daunting prospect for Angie, but through education and support systems, she found it to be invaluable. Sharing Delilah's story with her and acknowledging the presence of her birth family enriches their family dynamic and empowers Delilah with understanding and identity.
Crossing New Milestones
As Delilah grows, Angie finds peace and fulfillment in seeing her daughter experience moments that Landon missed. Schooling and shared activities evoke bittersweet feelings, but also gratitude for the chance to witness these precious moments.
Reflections of Love
Drawing parallels between Landon and Delilah, Angie delights in their shared qualities of unconditional love and empathy. Her narrative reinforces that love transcends biological connections, with every moment spent with Delilah affirming this truth.
Conclusion
Angie's story exemplifies resilience and the human capacity for love and healing. Her journey through loss and into the realm of adoptive motherhood is a testament to the power of faith and community support.
