I have been saying this in small groups of trusted friends for a while and finally came out to my family. Yes, my husband and I both decided that we are happily married and happily chose not to have children of our own. We, however, desire to adopt one day because I was adopted, I also have adopted family members, and I love how strangers become family.

That being said, I never thought the hardest thing about choosing my own decision on such a topic could be such a ground for shame. I have heard statemrnts thrown at me, not at my husband, from "selfish" to "fearful" to "shallow." Why? Honestly, it was very painful to hear such words or see such attitude hidden underneath passive aggressive looks/comments from people I love and trusted. However, I have done much work to affirm myself of my own rights as well as my own values and belief as a Christian, nothing about this choice could pose as an internal conflict nor is it hurtful for society. If you are in the same boat, hearing the same comments, you are NOT alone. You are beautiful. You are brave. You are precious. You are valuable. I hear you, I see you.