[baybeeboy]

I just wanted to thank everyone for all of their support through this awful process, and thank everyone for watching us on the Montel show today. A special thanks to P.E.Z. for letting everyone know about the show in advance so that everyone could set their VCR's!!

To answer a few questions that have come up from everyone....

We were not allowed to say the specific name of the agency that we used due to a pending lawsuit. We also were not allowed to specifically mention the country that we were going through on the show, (although it is mentioned on Montel's website).

There was more taped than actually shown which was somewhat disappointing because there were a couple of points that I had really wanted to make sure were mentioned, but they somehow ended up on the editors floor I guess. Like the fact that we never received one, single medical report in the over 18 months that we were matched with this child. Like the fact that we received multiple bills for "miscellaneous" fees, and despite us asking multiple times for detailed bills, were never given bills but were told that if we didn't pay them, that could cause delays in our case. And the fact that if I hadn't joined this forum and met other families that were stuck with the same terrible agency, I don't know what I would have done. I truly appreciate everyone whom I have come to know through this forum, and am so happy that some of them have had their little ones finally come home (Mombyfaith and Jennifervan are two that come to mind right away)

For those that suggested after our announcement that we had quit, that we should have "hung in there" a little longer, maybe you didn't realize what type of agency we were dealing with or that they had suggested that we bribe the governmental officials. If I hadn't made that clear, I apologize. If I had, and some still felt it necessary to cast judgement - shame on you.

Our hope in doing the Montel show was to bring some light to a situation that desperately needs reform. There are no true regulations in many states, and with 50 different states having 50 different sets of rules, it makes things very difficult. I was not happy with how Montel continuously referred to the money aspect, but as long as the issue is now on the table for discussion in many different forums, we have done what we intended. I know that some did not appreciate him bringing up "the race card", but I did agree with his comment about white actresses being able to seemingly adopt at will, as I truly doubt that these actresses had to follow the same rules that all of us "common folk" do. I doubt that they had homestudies, and waiting periods, and most certainly their cases never hit any "bumps".

We are hoping that we will be able to continue to lobby for change within our state, and if we are sucessful, then maybe influence others to take a hard look at the issue of adoption. There are issues whether you adopt abroad or within the states, but with the very lax rules that are now in place, things won't change. I am hoping that through our pain, we can make a change.

I again want to thank everyone for their support, and wish everyone the best of luck in getting your little ones home.

[DoraDora]

Thank you so much for having the courage to speak out! You are right that putting the issues on the table is a very important first step! I am hopeful that you and your husband are at peace with your decision. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Hopingsoon]

Wow, thank you for sharing this. I kind of thought after watching the show that there was much more to the story than presented (as well as seeing some of your prior posts).

I'm thankful you brought this to light. We are in the same state, and had I found your agency early on, I can almost guarentee we would have went with them since my DH is big on doing business with local business people instead of huge corporations.

Please know that you're in my prayers. I hope that your lawsuit is successful, and this horrible agency is shut down. I also hope that someday you will have a child to love.

[mombyfaith]

I sit here crying my eyes out. I am so very sorry for your pain and I truly do know how deep it runs. I applaud what you are doing and I think you are an amazing woman for taking this stand.
DH taped it for me and I watched it when I got home from work, as you very well know I couldn't help thinking what a miracle Chloe coming home actually was. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you and pray for you. The only responses you should be getting on any forum is from people that admire you for your courage and thanking you for stepping up to the plate.
God Bless You!
Teresa

[Tamiswaiting]

I missed the beginning of the show, but turned it on just in time to see your segment. Knowing your story already, I figured much had been edited from the show. My heart breaks for you. I so want your dream to come true...

[Larue]

I cannot even begin to tell you the admiration I have for you and your dear huband, for having the courage to get up on that stage in front of millions of viewers and share your story so that others can avoid your pain. My hat is off to you! I truly hope that you are able to continue your adoption journey someday. I don't doubt that you will be amazing parents!

My thoughts and prayers are with you!

[keithandkristy]

I really don't know what to say except that...I am so sorry you had to endure (and are still enduring) the heartache of what you guys went through. I appreciate your courage! Please know that you are in many of our thoughts and prayers!

[Melinas Mom]

I did not watch the show but after reading your post my heart goes out to you & your husdand. I could not begin to think of the pain you have been through. I hope everything works out for you & someday you may have a child in your arms to love.

[Alexismandyjr]

My heart goes out to you and your family for the pain that you have gone through. I applaud the fact that you have put this on the table so others will (hopefully) not have to experience these horrible circumstances. I commend you for your courage!

[sheena7112]

I wanted to tell you I watch it today and I am so sorry for what has happend to you. I was put threw the ringer for 4 months. They lost the birth mothers id so they couldnt find her. They hired a private investigater and they did find her in Mexico. She signed all her rights over to the atterny so they can sign for her but she did the dna and the fc interview. I did offer them more money to help speed it up so they could get more help but they said no I have payed enough and they would find her and they did. I got pink today and my son is 10 months old now. I know Montel said he would hook you up with an agency. I really hope you dont give up!!! I know you have had your share of let downs but Yall are ment to be parents. Yall have a heart of GOLD and every child deserves to have a set of parents like you all. SO please know what is ment to be will come to you. SO let it and know that God wants you to have your dream. You all take care. God Bless, Kim

[krambk]

Amanda,

I am so glad that I too found this forum, And I am appreciative that I knew about this in advance, I planned on watching this show today, My mom came over and we both watched and cryed with all the people on the show. My son was sitting right in front of me in his bouncy seat the whole time and I thank God that I was lucky enough to have chosen a wonderful agency. As you know from our previous conversations back in October, Our adoption process could have ended up in the same situation as yours(Due to missing signature on Birthmothers Cedula) I thank God that I had chosen a agency that was up on things and took care of the snags as they arose. All adoption cases hits snags in one form or another what makes a difference is how the agency and or attorney reacts to them.

I respect your decision for knowing when too many lies from your agency and or attorney was too many. I know that you will come to the decision again to complete your family and when that time is right for you and your DH you will begin the process again, This time with a reputable agency and your dream will too one day come true.

You are doing what you was meant to do, Open the eyes of others, when it comes to this gruelling process. To Educate other couples so this doesnt keep on happening.

This forum is a wonderful source of information, support and kindness. We was all drawn here to gain support of each other.

[tybeemuffin]

I think you guys are awesome and I know it took great courage for you to go on the show. I do hope that one day you have the family that you desire, and deserve. Whether it's through adoption, or something else.

Take Care and thank you!

[amyruston]

What an amazing, amazing women you are!!! I am so, so sorry for the pain and suffering that you and your husband went through. I hope and pray for you that your dreams will be realized. Know that there is a group of cyber friends who will always have your back!! Thank you so much for sharing your story and taking the time to follow it up the forum!! Take care.

Amy

[LadyTink]

I saw the show today and I was crying as I heard your story. I am so sorry this happened. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[DPline]

I just wanted to tell you how much I admire your courage. You are doing such a service to others by sharing your story so that others hopefully won't experience the heartbreak that you have. You have my prayers that you will somehow be able to continue your adoption journey and become parents. You are obviously both extrodinary people who a child would be blessed to have as parents.