Adoption Support at Forever Parents

Birthmothers picnic

By Nora Muchanic
Philadelphia
June 3, 2007

An unusual picnic was held today in Montgomery County. Adoptive parents, children and their birth mothers got together for a kind of an extended family get together.

“Every single time I see him I know my choice was right. He has a wonderful family, he’s loved by everyone.” That’s 20-year-old Shannon Abrameck talking about 2 and a half year old Aaron, the little boy she gave up for adoption to Lynn and Noah Langnas of Havertown.

Their reunion is part of the 19th Annual Adoption from the Heart Picnic at Ft. Washington Park in Flourtown. The event brings together birth parents and adoptive families who’ve arranged for “open” adoptions through the non-profit agency based in Wynnewood.

Maxine Chalker from Adoptions from the Heart tells us, “Open adoption is when birth parents that are pregnant select the adoptive family and stay in touch.”

Shannon receives pictures of Aaron and regular updates. His adoptive parents want him to know his birth mother so he won’t have to wonder later.

Aaron’s adoptive father Noah Langnas said, “This way he’s (going to) know from the start that he came from Shannon’s belly and we’re his mom and dad.” And Aaron’s adoptive mother Lynn tells Action News, “He’s not loved just by this family, but by that family and every family. You can never have too many people loving you.”

Open adoption is not for everyone. But the birth mothers here are grateful to be able to see and know the children they gave birth to as they grow up.

Lisa Leonard was visiting with her son Clayton, who was adopted by Denise and Peter Ackroyd. Denise says, “It’s really nice, it’s the one time we get to see Lisa and Clayton gets to know her and just spend time with her.”

Each year almost a thousand people attend this get together. Adoptions from the Heart officials say the fun-filled day celebrates the special people bonded for life through adoption.

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4. Open Adoption - Pros And Cons
5. Domestic Adoption