Adoption is one of the most selfless, special relationships that exist. A mother who chooses life over death for an unborn child has given her first gift: a timely pregnancy of nine months, an experience and adventure in life that cannot be matched by no other. Pregnancy is a special bodily sensation that cannot be duplicated by any other means despite our technology in modern times. After having the child, then comes the decision to give the child away, a second selfless gift. Many times this decision has already been arranged and at the hospital the mother must sign away her parental rights at the time of birth. Sometimes the mother will change her mind and decide to keep the child. A child who has been born under these conditions is about to undergo a life of none other, a life where an adoption in the wake of a disaster on the mother's part will turn into joy for the family who chooses the child.

The mother has just chosen for adoption in the wake of a disaster; why would someone willingly give a child away? A child is not a material possession that can be replaced like something hat has been used up, worn out, or broken. Usually a child that is born under these conditions has chosen to have a pregnancy despite the odds against them, in the hope that though they may not be able to provide a sufficient life for the child someone else can. Sometimes the mother is a teenage girl who cannot keep the baby due to monetary circumstances, or difficulties with her partner, or by forced decision of her parents if she is underage. Other times the mother might be suffering from some personal tragedy or incurable illness, and she knows that she does not have the means to provide for the child on a long-term basis. Some mothers do not believe in abortion and have the child for this reason, then give it away. And in a last scenario, a mother has kept her pregnancy hidden and leaves the child somewhere where it can be found while she remains anonymous.

The couple who adopts the child has chosen adoption in the midst of their own personal disaster as well. Perhaps the couple has been through a multitude of fertility tests and has tried to have a baby for a long time before it has been determined that they are unable to conceive. This can be a painful and devastating experience for a couple. Adoption in the case where a couple has lost a child or are older can be possible also. Occasionally a couple has has children, and those children have grown and left. Then the couple might realize that they miss the noise and joy that a child brings to a home. They seek out a child to raise on their own, and to experience the joys of parenting a young child all over again. A couple who has lost a child might decide that they have overcame their pain, but now want to provide for another child. In reciprocation, this child will fill their life with happiness while giving a good home to a child who needs it.

Adoption is not just for babies but it is more common for a baby to be adopted than an older child. Children who have lost their parents and are older can be just as good to adopt as a baby but many people overlook this option. A child who is five or six needs a home just as much as a baby does and can be a better choice. Often older children can come with problems if they have been traumatized by the loss of their parents in a sudden and troubling way such as an automobile accident. These children might need special attention but can be just as loving and perhaps a better choice than a baby. An older child has already formed their personality and the parents will know what to expect in their relationship with the adopted child.

Any child that is adopted should be told that they were adopted and why. When appropriate, more details should be given to the child as they age. But each adopted shild should know that they were chosen by their parents out of love, something most children do not have.