A very compelling, heart-filled personal testimony on how God's will and human ingenuity can accomplish even the most difficult tasks. Mike and Annie Sheaffer's quest with God's blessings has touched the lives of many. Caring is contagious! --
John Clemens, USA Radio Network, October 1998It's encouraging how Mike and Annie placed their mission statement continually before God as they laid their hopes on the line to adopt a family. Their story will leave a mark of inspiration on your heart with hope concerning infertility, unplanned pregnancy or adoption. --
Tom Landry, Former Head Coach of the Dallas Cowboys, October 1998With great love, sensitivity and practicality, Mike and Annie have written a wonderful book that will touch and warm your heart. I recommend it with all my heart and pray that this book will result in the ultimate gift for many dear couples. --
Frank Minirth MD, Diplomate American Boards of Psychiatry, Neurology & Forensic Medicine, October 1998
F.O.C.U.S Publishing Company - We need more caring role models like Mike and Annie Sheaffer. Ideally, anyone touched by an unplanned pregnancy, infertility or considering abortion or adoption -- especially members of the birthfamily or future adoptive parents -- and those who are grieving and need hope would benefit from reading their book. Quite frankly, it could change the outcome of their lives!
Here's what one birthfather wrote after Mike and Annie adopted his little girl, Hannah:
I'm Matthew Clyne, Hannah's birth father and a student at San Diego State University. I have a very supportive family including mom, dad, an older brother and younger sister. The year Jessica became pregnant, I was 20 years old and in the middle of my second year of school.
Jessica and I initially found out she was pregnant after going to a women's clinic in San Diego. My initial response was overwhelming astonishment and disbelief. Although we weren't using any form of birth control, I was still taken by surprise. Abortion was not an option.
Jessica immediately informed her parents, but it took me almost four months to gain the courage to tell mine. They were surprisingly calm when I told them and were completely supportive.
With both of us being in school, having no money, knowing graduation was several years away, and most importantly, unprepared to raise a child, we felt adoption was our only choice.
We were informed abut Mike and Annie through an adoption facilitator acquainted with Jessica and her mom. Shortly after being sent a letter by Mike and Annie, Jessica and I spoke with them over the phone. We felt really good about our conversation.
When we finally met them, what little insecure doubts I felt were wiped away. I couldn't have expected a sweeter, more loving couple than Mike and Annie. Jessica and I immediately fell in love with them. Besides being wonderful people, they had everything to offer Hannah -- a stable income, experience with an adopted child, and a supportive environment of friends and adopted children.
The time between meeting Mike and Annie and the transfer of Hannah to them was very hard. Jessica and I had mixed emotions over whether we could go through with the adoption. But deep inside, we knew we were doing the right thing. When Jessica buckled Hannah into Mike and Annie's rental car for the last time, I couldn't believe what was happening. In my heart, I wanted nothing more than to grab Hannah and Jessica and run. But in my mind, I reasoned that wouldn't be the smartest thing to do. I wanted so much to keep Hannah, but I realized it was just fantasy to think we could make it.
My family has adjusted to the adoption as well as possible. Both Jessica and I receive pictures of Hannah every several weeks. Mike and Annie have also sent a videotape of their beautiful family and plan to continue to do so. This helps a lot and includes me in my child's progress. I feel satisfied with the adoption today and thank God for allowing my child to grow up in a loving environment without unnecessary struggles.
I would like to thank Mike and Annie for their continuous flow of detailed information about Hannah's progress. Jessica and I thank God for bringing them into our lives at the best possible time.
Matt
