author: Laurie Stephens

Together Again! Yes, that is the refrain that goes through my mind when I think of my daughters and the amazing journey that brought our hearts and souls back together in this lifetime. The journey to motherhood and coming together as mother and daughters and sisters spanned thousands of miles and years of planning, praying, hoping, and dreaming. Together Again is also the name of a children’s book that I wrote to describe this journey that may resonate with other families who were built through adoption.

I have been telling our story for years to anyone who would listen through my blog, articles, and verbally. If you ask me why I traveled to China to adopt my daughters, get ready to hear the story. Because it is not just my story, it is our story. And it’s powerful. It is the story of the connection of the human race and of the human spirit. It is the story of the soul connections that are woven between all of humanity—no matter who we are, where we live, how much money we make, who we vote for, or how we see the world. Adoption is an amazing example of those soul connections in action. In the adoption triad, we are all connected. It is no accident that we feel drawn to adopt from a certain country, from the foster care system, or we connect with birthparents and feel as though we were meant to find one another. It feels real and meant to be because it is. A true connection is supposed to happen that way.

It took me a while to realize what all this meant; that our lives and souls come together as planned. I followed my heart and intuition to adopt my daughters. The circumstances, delays, processes, and what I thought at the time were coincidences actually conspired to connect me with these particular children. These girls could not fit more perfectly in my life and family than if they came to me biologically. So many adoptive parents understand exactly what I am talking about. And unfortunately, many who have not experienced adoption or any sort of nontraditional family do not.

It has become part of my life’s mission to help people understand adoption in the bigger context of spiritual connection. Over the past 13 years, as I grappled with the questions, complexities, and emotions of adoption, I have come to such an understanding about what it really means. Adoption is not second choice or second best, but meant to be just as it is for all involved. We plan these relationships, and these soul connections are in our lives for a reason. Discovering the reason and lessons of these relationships are part of the beauty and mystery of our lives.

Ask an adoptive parent about his or her family, and he or she will tell you that it feels destined and “meant to be.” It feels that ways because it is. Blood may be thicker than water, but spirit connects us all.

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Author Laurie Stephens is a writer, dreamer, and a mom who loves laughter and this spiritual journey known as life. She works in the field of nonprofit fundraising and marketing. Originally from Toledo, Ohio, Laurie currently resides in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, with her two incredible daughters. To learn more about her children’s book, Together Again, click here (http://www.shop.boutiqueofqualitybooks.com/Together-Again-Childrens-Spiritual-Adoption-Picture-Book-9781937084332.htm). Her book is also available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and iTunes.

As a special offer for Adoption Magazine readers, Laurie Stephens is donating a signed copy of her book, Together Again.  To enter this giveaway, simply post a comment under this post.  Entries will be accepted until May 7 at 9 p.m. EST.  A winner will be chosen using random.org.  This contest is open only to residents of North America and limited to one entry per person.