This letter is to inform all the readers that November is National Adoption Month, which is a great time to celebrate the joy and beauty of adoption. Like many of you, my husband and I knew nothing about infertility, let alone about adoption. It is estimated that nearly one in eight couples struggle with infertility. Because infertility seems like such a private subject, many couples facing infertility unfortunately suffer alone.

Infertility usually is extremely difficult to overcome and has been compared to losing a loved one, in that most of us will experience all stages of the grieving process before finally accepting it.

Fortunately, in our case we were lucky enough to be open to and willing to adopt, thanks to some great guidance and support from some friends of ours who had already adopted two children of their own. Parenting has brought incredible joy and excitement to our lives which we never thought we would have. To become parents was a goal that we could attain through adoption.

We were able to adopt our baby girl right here in the United States, one who breathes, talks and plays just like the other kids her same age that aren't adopted. Our birthmother, like most of them, is a loving, caring woman who made an incredibly unselfish decision in an effort to give her child a better chance.

Adoption can be a wonderful option for those who have faced infertility. This month, we would encourage you to realize what a blessing adoption is, support those around you who may be considering adoption, and remember the birthmothers who make it possible for people like us to become parents.

Wade and Lisa Althouse

Grinnell