Our Adoption Story

Why this story is important

Adoption is one of life’s most powerful milestones. Telling the story captures the journey, the decision, the anticipation, and the moment your family was forever changed. It becomes a permanent record of a life-shaping event.

Every adopted child has a unique beginning. Writing their adoption story gives them a sense of identity and belonging. It helps them understand not just that they were adopted, but also the love, intention, and hope behind the choice. When shared, an adoption story connects the child to their extended family, community, and future generations. It allows others to appreciate the significance of the journey and the strength it took to reach that moment. For the child, reading their adoption story later in life can be a powerful reminder of how deeply they were wanted, cherished, and loved from the very beginning of their life with you.

Preparation checklist

• Gather your thoughts and materials. Review your journals and notes that might help you remember details.
• Browse your photo albums to stimulate memories and choose the photos you might want to use in the story.
• Decide who you’ll share the finished story with. Just yourself? Family? Friends? Public post? Thinking about your audience in advance will help guide what memories and details to include and which ones to leave out.

How to use the Times of My Life App to capture your story:

*The Virtual Biographer has instant access to similar stories written and shared by millions of other people. It knows what questions to ask and in what order. It can help you relive events, thoughts and feelings. It can help illuminate the essence of your experience and then craft a story that is uniquely yours. If a question doesn’t seem relevant to your experience, just skip it. Answer at least five questions. Tap “Next” and tap “Additional Details” to speak or type from memory.

Add media, save and publish as a printed piece, audiocast, and/or video

Insert photos and video clips wherever you want them to appear in the story narrative. Add voice narration and background music if you want to create an audiocast or video, in addition to a printed piece.

Share and revise as desired

After the story is written by you or your virtual biographer, you can “share” it through he app with friends and loved ones. Their feedback can provide valuable perspective and help you improve your story. After you get their feedback you can go back and edit the story as desired — or ask the Virtual Biographer to rewrite it with the feedback!

Related Stories

• My Dad
• My Mom
• My Son
• My Daughter
• Memorable Kid Story
• In Memory Of

Write the Story Yourself: Suggested Outline

1. Introduction

• A. Opening Scene
  • Introduce the main characters (potential adoptive parents, if applicable).
  • Set the stage for the adoption story: context, location, time period.
• B. The Desire to Adopt
  • Background on why the characters want to adopt.
  • Emotional or practical reasons driving the decision.

2. The Adoption Process

• A. Research and Preparation
  • Describe the initial research phase: finding agencies, understanding the process.
  • Characters’ feelings and concerns as they navigate the adoption landscape.
• B. Application and Home Study
  • Detail the application process and required documentation.
  • The home study process: interviews, home visits, and evaluations.
• C. Waiting Period
  • The emotional ups and downs during the waiting period.
  • Support systems and coping strategies.

3. The Match

• A. Receiving the News
  • The moment when the characters are matched with a child.
  • The emotions and reactions upon receiving this news.
• B. Meeting the Child
  • First interactions: the initial meeting, building rapport.
  • Any challenges or surprises during this phase.

4. Transition and Adjustment

• A. Bringing the Child Home
  • The logistics of transitioning the child to their new home.
  • First days and the initial period of adjustment for the child and the family.
• B. Building Relationships
  • Developing bonds and navigating the new family dynamics.
  • Overcoming any challenges and celebrating milestones.

5. Challenges and Growth

• A. Overcoming Obstacles
  • Address specific challenges faced during the adoption process and after bringing the child home.
  • Strategies for overcoming these challenges.
• B. Personal Growth
  • How the adoption has impacted the characters personally and as a family.
  • Growth and development in terms of relationships and individual perspectives.

6. Resolution

• A. Reflecting on the Journey
  • The characters reflect on their experiences and what they have learned.
  • How their lives have changed and what they hope for the future.
• B. Future Outlook
  • The family’s plans and hopes moving forward.
  • Closing thoughts on the impact of adoption on their lives.

7. Conclusion

• A. Final Scene
  • A heartwarming or reflective scene that encapsulates the essence of the story.
• B. Message or Takeaway
  • What readers should take away from the story: insights, inspiration, or understanding about adoption.

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