“Today marks a joyful conclusion.”
The journey to adoption can be a challenging one, filled with emotional highs and lows, complicated paperwork, and sometimes profound heartache. It takes immense love to navigate this path, but it also requires a strong support network. New mom Lila Thompson embodies both. After formally adopting her 5-year-old daughter, Bella Rose, on March 7th, Lila ensured that every individual involved in the adoption process was included in a unique celebratory photoshoot.
Lila, along with her sister-in-law, who are both photographers based in Wilmington, North Carolina, conceptualized this idea. On the adoption day, they took turns capturing moments with everyone present. “I only took a few photos because I wanted to savor the moment,” Lila shared. The snapshots feature the judge, the case worker, grandparents, aunts, cherished friends, and coworkers—all the people who played a role in their journey. She shared these treasured images on Facebook to honor those who stood by her side throughout the process.
“This day was monumental for Bella and me, but it was also a recognition of our entire community,” Lila wrote. “It truly does take a village.”
She added, “When I entered foster care, I was fully aware of the heartaches that could arise. However, my family and friends didn’t sign up for that—they just supported me through it all.”
Lila fostered Bella for over a year before they officially became a family. After the adoption ceremony, she invited everyone who contributed to their journey to be photographed as members of her ‘village.’ The images depict a smiling judge with a sign reading, “Today marks a joyful conclusion,” and the adoption attorney holding a sign stating, “Signed, sealed, delivered, she’s yours.” There are also smiling social workers, friends, and family members celebrating their bond.
“Today we welcomed our seventh grandchild,” read one grandparent’s sign. Aunts traveled for hours to be there, holding a sign that said, “Family is more than biology.” Lila also captured the adorably confused cousins holding a sign that said, “Today we’re still outnumbered,” as they welcomed another girl cousin into their family.
While Lila emphasized that this day was ultimately about Bella and honoring her feelings, it was also a moment to acknowledge the people who supported them. “In life, we often celebrate our achievements but forget to thank those who helped us get there,” she expressed in an interview. “I signed up for the challenges of foster care, and these wonderful people have been by my side through every twist and turn.”
Though Lila never envisioned herself as a foster mom, she always wanted to be a mother. After the loss of a dear friend to breast cancer, she had an awakening: “Why am I waiting for life to come to me? If I’m single and want to be a mom, I shouldn’t wait.” She made a promise to herself that if she wasn’t married by 35 and childless, she would actively pursue motherhood. On March 7th, just a week before her 36th birthday, she officially became a mom. “The timing feels orchestrated,” she remarked.
Lila explained the significance of Bella’s name, admitting that changing her daughter’s birth name was a difficult decision that took considerable thought and conversation. Ultimately, it felt right for Bella, who was the first child Lila fostered. “She kept coming and going in my life. I say she flew into my heart and made it her home,” Lila reflected. “She’s my little songbird.”
Since sharing the photos, Lila’s story has resonated with many, drawing attention and heartfelt responses from other adoptive parents and individuals who have been adopted. “It’s been beautiful and overwhelming,” she commented, noting that the outpouring of gratitude has been both surprising and healing for many.
Lila hopes her story encourages others to consider foster care. “It’s challenging, and there are many uncertainties, but the way people unify for a child is truly beautiful.” After our conversation, I told Lila how inspiring I found her journey. In her humble manner, she responded, “People often tell me I’m amazing, but they don’t realize these kids have changed my life more than I could ever change theirs.” She added, “Living for oneself is easy, but living for others is what brings real fulfillment.”
For more insights on the adoption journey and parenting, check out our other articles, including one about at-home insemination kits, which can be found at this link. Additionally, for those interested in in vitro fertilization, visit this page for expert guidance, or explore this comprehensive overview of the topic.
In summary, Lila’s adoption celebration serves as a heartfelt reminder of the importance of community support in creating lasting family bonds. By sharing her journey, she hopes to inspire others to embrace the challenges and joys of foster care and adoption.