Can you remember the sound of your baby's first cry? Or maybe that first giggle from something that caught your baby by surprise?
Babies need parents. And 'parents' sometimes need help getting babies. This story is about how you can help two amazing 'Parents-To-Be' find their loved one and bring he or she into their home.
Why Merrilee and Cameron are Adopting
Family has always been the most important thing to Merrilee and Cameron. Both come from large families, so it was only natural that they would want children of their own. Merrilee and Cameron grew up best friends. Then, around the time they were starting college, they realized that their friendship had blossomed into something more. They were married and ready to begin their perfect love story by starting a family. Then, over a year went by with no bouncing baby arriving at their door. Just as they were getting discouraged, they found out that Merrilee was pregnant! Elated, they felt that finally their love story could move to the next phase. One short month after finding out about the pregnancy, however, they discovered what every parent fears–they had lost the baby. Merrilee and Cameron were heartbroken. As time passed they continued to try medicine, treatments, and specialized doctors to help, but they have been unable to find success for the last six years.
Why Adoption is Right for Merrilee and Cameron
Merrilee is no stranger to babies and children. About the time she stopped needing a babysitter she began babysitting others herself! Neighbors, friends, and family all reached out to Merrilee for how good she was with children and how safe they felt putting their babies in her hands. It was amazing to see how well she watched over these children with such care and concern. She had a knack for knowing what the child needed and caring in a kind, yet firm way.
Cameron grew up the oldest child and cared for his younger siblings often. He is kind and gentle and has always found playfulness to be the best way to build a relationship. Whether through games or cracking jokes, Cameron makes everyone around him feel important and at ease, adults and children alike!
Adoption is the right choice for Merrilee and Cameron because it is the option most likely to help them start their family. Adoption agencies work with families on both sides of the birth to connect the right parents with the right infants. This takes a lot of work and time. However, the end result is worth it. As anyone who has held their child in their arms can tell you, there is nothing in this world that can compare. Feelings of gratitude, joy, excitement, fear, and peace overtake you in this moment. Tears of happiness are normal. The uniting of new life to a loving family is one of the things that makes life worth living.
How can I help?
There are MANY ways you can help!
First, you can DONATE! This can be a little or a lot, or anywhere in between! Adoptions are a lengthy process, and typically very costly. There are a lot of parties involved and each plays a crucial role in ensuring that these babies are well-taken care of and find their way to a loving home. Merrilee and Cameron have done their homework, and they've found a really great agency that they are working with. The total cost of adoption from start to finish is $30,000. They've also reached out to family and friends to help with certain aspects of the adoption process.
If you choose to donate, 100% goes for the adoption. Your help would mean the world to them.
I'm not in a place where I can assist financially. What else can I do?
Who is writing this page?
My name is Brent, and I'm Merrilee's older brother. Being close in age, Merrilee and I grew up together. I would watch in awe as children were just drawn to Merrilee. At church, at school, at home–wherever we would go, children would come up to Merrilee and sit in her lap or give her a hug. What made it even more amazing was how much the parents loved her too! She didn't keep candy in her backpocket or any other trick to get the kids to like her, she simply exuded love for them and the children knew and felt that. Even when she would be firm or discipline the child, it didn't seem to phase their love for her and desire to be near her. I knew then that Merrilee had a gift with children. I couldn't wait to see how she was as a mother. I still can't wait.
It has hurt me to watch Merrilee and Cameron struggle through the process of having their own child. The rollercoaster of emotions that they've had to endure has caused me to want to do what I can to help. I've started this campaign as a way to take part in their journey. I invite all of you to do the same and offer help in any way you can. Lending a hand to someone who needs help can make a difference for good in the world.
Fun Facts About Merrilee and Cameron
