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Dear Birthmother: We're thrilled that you're reading our letter, and we want you to know how much we admire and respect you for considering an adoption plan. We are aware of the courage, strength and love it takes to make this decision. For us, the decision to adopt was an easy one. On the night we got engaged, we talked about the family we would build together. We talked about adoption as an option, and discovered that we both felt very comfortable with this option. After several years of trying to conceive and several more years of fertility treatments, we decided to move ahead with what was the most natural decision—to build our family though adoption. We want to assure you \ our home will be one of love and caring not only from us, but also from our families who are so hopeful for us to be successful in our journey to become parents. About Us We were introduced through friends who knew that our love of the outdoors, our interest in cooking and our sense of humor would make us a good match. We had an immediate connection. It may have helped that Tom was dressed as a clown when we first met. We became "fast friends," to quote Tom's grandmother. We recently celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary, and we have enjoyed many successes in our personal and professional lives. We count being godparents to our nephew Parker and our close friend's son Cole as a great personal joy. We both love children, and having this special relationship means the world to us. Professionally, Tom has had a rewarding and successful career as a director of sales for a global telecommunications company. Sue's career has taken her in a few directions as she took time off from her career in the financial industry to accommodate the demands of a fertility regiment. Working on special projects in the not-for-profit industry served to provide balance in her life. She is currently employed in the financial sector consulting with advisors on business development. We live on quiet, tree-lined street on the north shore of Chicago in a three-bedroom home with a large wooded yard. Our neighborhood community is filled with young families whose children enjoy playing and spending time together with our two golden retrievers Jake and Zoe. About Tom I grew up in the small, quiet city of Appleton, Wisconsin, the oldest of three boys. My bothers—Jim and Doug—and I enjoy a close relationship with our parents. My mother, now retired, was an elementary school teacher who provided us with an endless education. She supported and encouraged us by attending our countless sports activities. My dad, also retired, was a dentist who built his dental practice (and the building) from the ground up. As dedicated as he was to his business, he was also dedicated to his family and spent time coaching his sons in soccer, baseball, and football. We also enjoyed special, extended, one-on-one time with dad on our fishing trips. Sue and I live close to both of my brothers and my parents, who eagerly await their next grandchild. My brother, Jim, and his fiancée, Karen, live
in Milwaukee. Jim is a gifted portrait artist who teaches art classes
in his downtown Milwaukee studio, and Karen is an avid photographer
who helps manage the studio and gallery. They are outdoors people who
have traveled around the U.S. in a camper van exploring the countless
national parks and natural beauty. My parents have been happily married for 47 years, and have provided us with a solid foundation and opportunities to pursue our individual interests. My parents were excellent role models for us, and we lived in a very loving home. As a family, we spent many hours together camping, hiking, traveling on cross country car trips and fixing up an old farm house, which became our vacation home. This offered a change from the city life, and really promoted our interests in nature. About Sue I grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, the younger of two kids. My brother and I often talk about what a great place Madison was to grow up. There were so many interesting family events, like milk carton boat races on the pond in a local park, or chamber orchestra concerts on the square. My dad is an attorney, and my mom stayed at home with us. Our house was always full of books. My parents shared with us their love of books and the world of imagination and learning that can be found in reading. Our house was always busy with activity. My mom was involved in many community events, and I remember the excitement of getting to help out. My parents encouraged me and my brother to pursue things that interested us, such as music and sports. I remember the year my brother took up the trumpet and I took up the clarinet. Thinking back on this, they were very kind and patient to encourage us to keep practicing when the sounds we produced were not quite music. We had a very close-knit family and it was a challenge to overcome the sadness of losing my mother to a stroke when I was 15. My dad was always involved in our lives and our interests, but became the central figure in our lives as we finished high school and prepared for college. My father has a big heart and big shoulder,s and to this day is there for us whenever we need him. My grandmother was also a great positive influence in our lives. She was a tireless cheerleader and motivator as we pursued our dreams. I believe that this experience made us strong, independent and compassionate adults. We are very happy that my stepmother, Molly, came into my dad's life about five years after my mom passed away. She is a generous, kind and a very good-natured person. She and my dad have now been happily married for nearly 20 years. My brother, Tom, and his wife, Raelene, live in central California with their daughter, Zoe. They come back to visit a few times each year, and we travel to see them at least once a year. We really enjoy the family reunions when they are in town. They are great tour guides when we go out to visit, sharing the beautiful places they have discovered while they have lived in California. They cannot wait to be an aunt and uncle, and they are very excited at the prospect of us becoming parents. Sue's Thoughts About Tom Tom is a warm and outgoing person. He is someone who makes friends easily with his sense of humor and his broad interest in people. Tom is a very creative person who can make the ordinary seem like the extraordinary. He surprises people with his great talent for cooking. We have several nieces and nephews who love Tom for his sense of fun and his great bear hugs. I love being his wife because Tom is a sweet and thoughtful person. With Tom in my life, our home is full of laughter and great food. Tom's Thoughts About Sue Sue is a very sincere and nurturing person. She brings endless energy to any project she undertakes. She is the consummate planner and eternal optimist, and always has had the utmost faith in people. I have always respected her maturity and her compassion for others. She has spent many unselfish hours giving back to others and volunteering for organizations such as the Make a Wish Foundation, The National Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse, and Golden Retriever Rescue. She is a natural athlete, which came in handy joining my family of three boys. She is a fair and honest person who is steadfastly loyal to those close to her. I am excited to see Sue grow as a mother, as I know she will provide your child the same love and devotion she has shown me. Thank You We are grateful for the opportunity to share a little bit of ourselves with you. We will do our best to raise your child in a loving, supportive and secure environment. We know our families will support us and delight in embracing the newest member of the family. Whatever decision you make, you have already given your child the greatest gift of love. In our home, your child will grow up knowing and understanding this special gift. We are open for you to have the kind of ongoing relationship with us and your child that feels comfortable for you. We look forward to getting to know you, and wish you peace as you continue on this journey. You can reach us anytime at 877-492-6236, or e-mail us at tomandsueadopt@gmail.com. You may also contact our adoption counselor, Tobi Ehrenpreis, at 800-869-1005. She would be happy to answer any questions you may have. Warmest wishes, About
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