My Adoption Story

All my life, I have always wanted to be a mother. But because of my past, I really wanted to make sure that I was financially stable first. By the end of high school, I received a scholarship to an Ivy League college. From there, I went to law school. With lots of prayer and hard work, I was lucky to land a great job with a big law firm in New York City. Ten years later, I started my own real estate development firm. My company has been very successful. I feel blessed to have realized my professional dreams.

In my 20s, I married a sweet and brilliant young man who worked on Wall Street. One day, he started "going crazy", and the diagnosis was adult onset of schizophrenia. Turns out, this disease ran in his family and the doctors recommended that we not have children. We stayed married and I accepted that I would not have biological children. Years later, when we divorced, I was devastated by what I was going through. Like many of us have thought at one time or another, I wondered, how could this be happening to me?

Learning to forgive myself and my ex-husband led me to see the beauty in that marriage. He had the opportunity to experience love and marriage at a time when he was whole and healthy. And I was given the chance at seeing family in a different way. While I never gave up on my dream of being a mother, I soon learned that there are many different paths to get there.

My friends and family would describe me as someone who laughs easily, gets along well with everyone and likes adventure. They will also tell you that I am someone who really takes her time - I always think things through before making a decision. I am the person in our group of friends who everyone can count on, no matter what.

When it comes to my career, I am a real estate developer, which basically means I build buildings. I am also an activist and advocate for minority developers. A few times each year, I am called upon to sit on a committee, testify at government hearings or be interviewed regarding city planning, labor, zoning and other real estate-related issues. My hours are really flexible and light (literally, construction can't happen in the dark!). I feel so lucky to be able to work from home.

I love the arts, travel and socializing. It started when I was a child. I took flute and dance lessons when I was in public school and I think those early lessons are what led me to really love the arts.

My mom and I traveled when I was a child, in the U.S. and abroad, so I developed a love of travel through her and this is something I would love to share with a child one day.

I absolutely love to cook. To me, it is another form of art! Being originally from the south, I love southern comfort food (like macaroni and cheese) and experimenting with international cuisine (like Thai-style fish dishes). I mostly try to stick to healthy foods, but an occasional treat like Southern comfort food or ice cream is good for the soul. Even more, I really love to cook for others. I can't wait to cook for your child. I bet it will be a fun experience and challenge as we learn what he/she likes!

My mother struggled with the decision about whether to have me. Growing up, I faced a lot of tough challenges being raised by a disadvantaged single mom. Despite the past, I now find myself blessed to have all of the advantages one could want in life - a successful career, great friends, a wonderful family, and strong faith in God. I can provide your child with an amazing life - the best schools, a beautiful home, travel around the world, and most importantly, unconditional love. What makes me unique though is that I can provide your child with the tools necessary to succeed in life - love, spirituality, hope, faith, wisdom, and perseverance.