In The Window Behind Her
As this proud mom, Gina looked over at her daughter finishing up her dance recital, she could only think how lucky she was and grateful to have such a talented daughter. She was just as excited as her daughter Evie was for the major production that was fast approaching. Little did Gina know that the rest of her day was not going to go as planned…her life what possibly about to change. At the end of the rehearsal, Evie approached her mom, Gina noticed something was wrong. Something was not okay and Evie was about to tell her mom what it was.
In The Window Behind Her
Sending Chills Down Her Spine
Gina started to get worried, something was not right. Evie’s mood had changed from the beginning of the rehearsal, her facial expressions said it all. Gina asked her daughter, “darling, what’s wrong”? Evie was not able to put into words what she wanted to say, so she just pointed to the back of the room to the floor-length window. Who was the girl staring back at them? Why did Gina automatically begin to panic?
Sending Chills Down Her Spine
There Was Something Missing
Gina Crotts was originally from Saratoga Springs, Utah. During her younger adult years, she had made some difficult life decisions that she was sure were in the past. Now, she was 38 years old, married to her best friend, Brandon, and had a beautiful family that she loved so dearly. The pair are parents to three wonderful children – two boys and one girl.
There Was Something Missing
Something Was Missing
Gina could not be happier with how her life was going at the moment, however, whether she wanted to admit it or not there was something missing in her life. It was finally the time that she needed to face what had been coming for quite some time. She didn’t expect this to really happen…the girl standing at the other end of the room was named Kalyn. But who was she?
Something Was Missing
She Made A Tough Decision
The story goes back about 18 years. Gina had been carrying this weight ever since but had made the tough decision to continue with her own life. No matter how hard she tried, there were often times where she felt a lot of guilt and remorse. How did her family feel about it? And what were their thoughts about her past?
She Made A Tough Decision
The Moment That Changed Everything
For nearly two decades, Gina countlessly recalled the one moment that changed her life forever. Every time she thought of it, it felt as if it had just happened yesterday. She always put on a brave face even though it affected her. She said, “The double red lines on my pregnancy test kept presenting itself, in my mind, like flashing neon lights. Positive. Positive. Positive.
The Moment That Changed Everything
What Was It Going To Be?
Gina further explained, “the $6.99 plastic stick read everything about me, my past, my future, and who I would be labeled as for the rest of my life.” She was not only in total shock but so confused as to what to do. It was time for her to make massive decisions. With so many questions running through her mind, what was she going to do?
What Was It Going To Be?
She Was A Young Girl
During those times, Gina was only 19 years old – she was not even considered an adult herself. This situation was a lot to handle and she couldn’t do it alone. She asked herself over and over, how could she let this happen? She tried to calm down and reassure herself that things were going to be ok. She repeated, “I’m fine. I can do this. It’s ok. I’ll be ok.”
She Was A Young Girl
Reflecting
As much as she tried, she couldn’t understand how she got to this point in her life. Regardless of how many times she tried reflecting on her past, nothing was going to change what was currently going on. She needed to make a decision and soon! At such a young age she needed to make one of the hardest life decisions, all the responsibility was on her. What else could she do?
Reflecting
It Broke Her Heart
It’s easy to understand that going through with a full-term pregnancy and then putting the baby up for adoption is a difficult thing to do. 9 months of having a baby grow and develop inside of you, instantly make the little human a big part of who you are. Gina struggled for a while, contemplating if she had made the right choice. It was really hard for her, no matter what she did…
It Broke Her Heart
A Mix Of Emotions
The entire pregnancy leading up to the very moment in the delivery room, Gina had a mix of emotions. She couldn’t help but think that this was supposed to be happy money as she was bringing a beautiful life into the world. She explained, “It was a mix of grief and happiness… but knowing what was coming after, a lot of heartaches.” This teenager was going through a lot in such a short space of time.
A Mix Of Emotions
Her Little Butterfly
She recalled, “She spent a night with me and my family in my parents’ home before placing her the next day,” “Having time with her outside of the hospital helped a lot.” On the day that Gina needed to give up little Kalyn for adoption, she wrote a beautiful poem called, ‘My Little Butterfly,’ which spoke about the sacrifice she made and how tough it was for her.
Her Little Butterfly
She Tried To Forget About It
Luckily, baby Kalyn had been adopted by a delightful family. This definitely helped Gina feel better about the decision she had to make. She was so happy this loving couple was able to give Kalyn the life that she so deserved, especially as Gina was not capable of doing it herself. Having to live with her parents as she could not pay the bills, it was not manageable to pay for a newborn child too.
She Tried To Forget About It
It Was Tough
Gina had never truly forgotten about her daughter and how she needed to give her up for adoption. She always held that memory in her mind. It was hard but she tried to distract herself and keep busy as much as possible. This went on for so many years, and Gina hoped that as time passed so would the pain.
It Was Tough
The Love Of Her Life
How some time passed by, she eventually got her life on track. She then met Brandon, the two of them hit it off immediately and were instant lovebirds. They tied the knot and decided that together they would start a family of their own. Gina and Brandon had 3 amazing children. She was excited about this new chapter in life, and even though she somewhat forgot about her late teenage years she never forgot about Kalyn.
The Love Of Her Life
Gina’s Other Daughter
For obvious reasons, Gina’s other daughter Evie was a constant reminder of Kalyn. But eventually, she had accepted that it would be like that. However, Gina never thought that she and Kalyn would ever cross paths. But it was Evie who was able to recognize Kalyn…her older sister. How was that even possible? Evie had never met Kalyn…there was so much that needed to be explained.
Gina’s Other Daughter
Looking Through The Window
Evie was only 13-years old at the time. While Gina watched her baby girl at her dance recital, she was completely unaware that someone was watching them from the window. Both Gina and Evie were in absolute shock…they both stood there flabbergasted. Gina could not believe her eyes, she really thought she was seeing things that weren’t true. Could this even be real?
Looking Through The Window
Their Eyes Met
The last time that Gina had seen Kalyn in person was over 17 years ago. But it was actually Kalyn who recognized Gina nearly immediately. Was it a coincidence? Or was this meant to be? Gina further said, “I was sitting with my back to the window, I turned back and that single wall and six feet were all that was between us.” What was going to happen next?
Their Eyes Met
What To Do Next
Gina went on to say, “I was shocked at first, then a second later full of sheer excitement, then hesitation in case she didn’t want to see me,” Gina said. “I stopped at the door, I didn’t want to walk out and see her walking away because she wasn’t ready. Her adoptive dad gave her a choice, I didn’t want to confuse her and needed to be sure it was what she wanted.” What were the chances?
What To Do Next
Time To Find Out
There were so many emotions rushing through Gina’s body and mind. Her heart was racing and she had an overwhelming feeling of excitement. But she still held herself back, she knew she needed to calm down and take a breather. Gina really hoped that Kalyn had not left to go home already, she really wanted to “meet” her. But was is the appropriate thing to do? She immediately thought about the worst scenario possible.
Time To Find Out
In A Heartbeat
Gina further gave details and said, “I could have run out there in a heartbeat, but I was cautious about her feelings. When I opened the door, she was standing in front of me.” But would she be disappointed? Perhaps Kalyn had already left and had no interest in actually talking to her birth mother. Everything was happening too fast, it was like a whirlwind of emotions!
In A Heartbeat
The First Question
Gina further described, “The first thing I asked her was, ‘Are you happy?’ she said ‘Yes’ and then we were hugging, I had to pull away because I wanted to look at her,” Gina continued, “We couldn’t help but stare at each other, as we talked for longer, we would just look at each other and laugh. After so many years the pair had been reunited, and the small, unexpected union was a beautiful moment for both of them.
The First Question
Completely Unbelievable
Gina then said, “It really is wild and extraordinary to think about the odds and how it was such a great moment for me, I feel very fortunate.” What a relief it must have been for them! Elated that Kalyn had waited around, Gina could not explain how she was feeling…she just knew she was so happy. She only hoped Kalyn was feeling the same! Fortunately, it was great!
Completely Unbelievable
She Recognized Her Older Sister
The big question still remains…how was it even possible for Evie to recognize her older half-sister despite the fact that she had never met Kalyn. Did she even know what she looked like? Well actually the story unfolds like this, Kalyn’s adoptive family keeps Gina in the loop with Kalyn’s life, how she was doing along with all her accomplishments. So Gina and her family were indirectly involved in Kalyn’s life.
She Recognized Her Older Sister
Grateful For The Updates
Every year, Kalyn’s adoptive family sent her photographs. Gina happily explained, “I would receive a letter and a few pictures every year, I was given quite a bit of detail on how she was doing, how her life was going and more. I got to know a little about how happy she was, her hobbies, and seeing the pictures helped to settle my heart.” It was a great token, that Gina greatly appreciated.
Grateful For The Updates
She Did Not Leave Them In The Dark
Gina never thought it was necessary to ever keep Kalyn a secret from her children As a matter of fact, Evie actually had a picture of her big sister in her room! Gina explained, “It was our decision not to surprise our children with their big secret sister and for them to know everything about her.” She didn’t want them to accidentally find out that their mother had another daughter.
She Did Not Leave Them In The Dark
Always A Part of Our Lives
“Kalyn was a part of our lives before we met, she wasn’t there but it always felt like she was with us,” Gina clarified. It was so touching to know that Kalyn’s adoptive parents never hesitated to be open and honest with her, they felt it was also necessary for her to get to know her biological mom. Gina and Kalyn then exchanged numbers after they had that chance of meeting once the dance class ended.
Always A Part of Our Lives
Getting To Know Each Other
It was thanks to this that the duo really got to bond and grow their relationship. Gina finally got to really know her long-lost child! “We are very fortunate it played out in this way, I’m very aware most birth moms don’t get this experience and I’m very lucky for how my story ended up, not many adoption stories work out like this” she described with so much excitement in her voice. I
Getting To Know Each Other
Becoming A Better Person
Gina further explained, “Placing her for adoption did not mean I forgot about her but actually pushed me to be a better person, I wanted to be someone she would be proud to meet someday. And I certainly hope that’s how she feels”. We really hope that this meeting between the two was everything they hoped for and that Kalyn shes her biological mom for the brave woman she really is.
Becoming A Better Person
What She Had In Mind
“I’m pretty overwhelmed but just as excited to see where the relationship goes from here,” shared Gina. All in all, how does Kalyn feel about the whole situation and the way things came together? Kalyn, now a senior in high school described, “When I first met everyone, walking into the door I felt wrapped in so much love”. Such a beautiful and touching story, right?
What She Had In Mind
Forgiving Teenager
Kalyn continued to say, “Here were all these people who had been loving me for 18 years, and I was just meeting them.” Its so special to hear that Kalyn had no animosity or any bad feelings towards Gina. Imagine being able to meet your biological mother years done the line and feeling so excited about it all? For such a young girl, she handled the situation excellently, right?
Forgiving Teenager
Meeting ‘Angel Gina’ At Last
Kalyn had grown up hearing about ‘Angel Gina.’ Over the years, Kalyn was also lucky enough to have been sent letters- not only from Gina but from her whole family as well. The teenager kept a framed photo of Gina too. It was as if they truly knew each other and longed to personally meet. Kalyn stored all the photos and letters that had been sent to her in a beautiful folder that was so dear to her.
Meeting ‘Angel Gina’ At Last
A Huge Dream
Gina had always yearned and dreamed to be reunited with the baby she had to give up for adoption, but she honestly never thought it was going to happen. Regardless, we are certain that the universe had a plan for Gina and Kalyn, and that everything really happens for a reason. The big question is, what made Kalyn choose that specific window on that particular day anyway?
A Huge Dream
What Drew Her There
As it happens, Kalyn enrolled in ballet classes when she was younger and truly had a passion for it. As she was so fascinated by the dance style she wanted to watch the dancers perform through the window. Kalyn didn’t realize that in that specific dance class would be her biological mother and half-sister.
What Drew Her There
A Seemingly Unfillable Heart
At that moment, Kalyn had no clue that on that day her life would change forever but she was so glad that she decided to watch the ballet class – the best thing came out of it. What an incredibly remarkable story! If you loved it just as much as we did, be sure to check out the book where Gina was able to publish and retell her amazing story. Its called: “A Seemingly Unfillable Heart.”
A Seemingly Unfillable Heart
It is certainly sad when a mother is forced to give up her own kid and put them up for adoption, which is why we are very happy for Gina and Kalyn as they have been able to reunite after years of being away from each other. Speaking of adoptions, this next story talks about a woman who wanted a fresh start in her life, and as she adopted kids to take care of, she noticed something odd with her new kids.
Wanting A Fresh Start
Katie Page never imagined herself getting divorced in her thirties. It was only natural for her to believe that her life had taken a turn for the worse. Her family was important to her, but how could she start one now? Her life was turned upside down when she decided to take on a new challenge.
Wanting A Fresh Start
Lost In The World
Katie Page was born in Birmingham, Alabama, and grew up there. She went through a particularly trying period in her life when she divorced her previous partner. She was dissatisfied with her life after the marriage ended. She wanted to find her way, but it appeared that she would have to postpone her plans to start a family in the meantime. She was looking for a new beginning, so she decided it was time to take a chance. She couldn’t take things the way they were for much longer.
Lost In The World
A New Chapter
There was no other option but to start over from the beginning if she wanted to make her dreams a reality. It is for this reason that she relocated, despite the fact that Alabama offered many opportunities. Before returning to change her life for the better, she went on a soul-searching journey. She relocated to begin a new chapter in her life. It all worked out because she was offered a job that sounded exactly like what she was looking for. She relocated to Denver, Colorado, and began working as an integrated service manager for GE Johnson, a commercial construction firm.
A New Chapter
Her New Home
Katie was optimistic about the future. This was her chance to improve her life, and she was prepared to go to any length. She bought a four-bedroom house that she had to make a few changes to. Katie made the decision to complete the renovations on her own. She said, “The house I bought would require extensive work to transform into my vision and most of which I would have to do myself in order to afford it.”
Her New Home
Keeping Herself Busy
Of course, this would not be a cheap project, but Katie was unconcerned. She actually thought it was a good way to cut down on wasteful spending. This would also prevent her from wasting time as she worked to reassemble her life. As you can imagine, living alone in such a large space can be isolating. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing in her life. The good news was that, even though her marriage had ended, she still had a chance to start a family.
Keeping Herself Busy
Searching For Satisfaction
She had been considering a number of possibilities. Even though she was still hesitant, she knew that starting a family was not out of the question. Despite the fact that the renovation kept her busy and motivated, she was seeking fulfillment in other areas of her life.
Searching For Satisfaction
Infertility Issues Of Her Own
She had hoped that after purchasing a new home and changing jobs, she would gain a fresh perspective. She was, however, still dissatisfied. After her fertility problems, she decided it was time to seriously consider adopting children.
Infertitlity Issues Of Her Own
She Loves Kids
Katie was looking for a new direction in life, so she started looking into becoming a foster parent. She was good with children and thought this might be her chance to find her calling. She had always wanted to be a mother, but mother nature had other plans.
She Loves Kids
Another Prospect
She recently joined a church and received a letter from them. She found out that there would be a seminar about a foster parent program. She was immediately enamored with this concept. Was this her life’s calling?
Another Surprise
The Right Path
Katie went to the meeting, and what she learned about the program piqued her interest. It sounded like she was on the right track. Despite the fact that she had reason to be concerned, she took a chance.
The Right Path
Her Maternal Desire
On Mother’s Day of 2015, she made the decision to become a foster mother. Isn’t it just perfect? Katie completed the application form, marking the start of a life-changing journey. However, she had no idea how big of an impact it would have on her at the time.
Her Maternal Desire
A Single Mom
But it’s not like she just went ahead and did it without considering her options. This was most likely a difficult decision for her to make. After all, she was single and new to the city. Is she capable of doing everything on her own?
A Single Mom
Making It Official
Shortly after filing the application, she began receiving cases. The foster children she was assigned to were frequently children who had experienced trauma at a young age. She wanted to give them her all.
Making It Official
Wanting One Of Her Own
She fostered a total of four children during her first year. She began to consider whether or not she should adopt. Despite the fact that this arrangement was satisfactory, she desired to become a full-time parent at this time.
Wanting One Of Her Own
Excellent Timing
It wasn’t long before life provided her with the opportunity to make her dream a reality. She had only been on the phone with her caseworker for two weeks when she received a call about a baby boy.
Excellent Timing
Destiny At Work
The baby had only been alive for four days. “I want him!” Katie exclaimed to the caseworker without hesitation. She also requested that they not contact anyone else in the hopes of being able to call it her own child.
Destiny At Work
A Short 24 Hours Later
The caseworker contacted her again the next day. Katie took the phone in her hands and crossed her fingers. She went to the hospital later that day and walked out holding the baby in her arms.
A Short 24 Hours Later
A Difficult Start
She had a foster child who was only 14 months old before. However, she had never worked with a child as young as this one before! The fact that the baby was on its own was heartbreaking, but the story did not end there.
A Difficult Start
Illegal Substance Abuse
Doctors discovered that this baby boy was exposed to drugs while still in the womb! Fortunately, he did not experience any withdrawal symptoms, and there were no long-term consequences. Whew.
Illegal Substance Abuse
Moving Forward
As you can see, the young boy did not have the best of beginnings. Fortunately, all of this was in the past. Now was the time to move on, because Katie was willing to go to any length for him.
Moving Forward
Picking A Name
He had no name because he was abandoned when he was only four days old. Katie scoured the internet for the ideal name for him. After all, she didn’t want to refer to him as “baby boy” for the rest of his life.
Picking A Name
Baby Boy Grayson
She, like many other parents, referred to him as a “baby boy” at first. Of course, that changed when she came up with the perfect name for him! Grayson was the name she gave him in the end. It was the name of her favorite boy.
Baby Boy Grayson
At First Sight
Katie fell in love with the little boy the moment she saw him. There was also an instant bond that no words can describe. Aside from that, she proved to be a natural at parenting.
At First Sight
Her True Calling
She began to realize that motherhood was her true calling. She desired to raise Grayson as if he were her own child. She had previously fostered children, but none of them had stayed with her for very long.
Her True Calling
The Next Step
It prompted her to make the decision to become a full-fledged parent. In many ways, she expected this to be different from fostering. She was, however, prepared for all of the challenges that lay ahead.
The Next Step