In a poignant demonstration of love and sacrifice, a mother from Utah, named Sarah Rivers, filmed a touching video hours before placing her newborn son into the care of his adoptive family. This emotional act was intended to ensure that her son, whom she named Leo, would always understand the depth of her love for him. The video, now widely shared, captures Sarah’s heartfelt message as she expresses her difficult decision and reassures Leo that he was wanted.
In the video shared on various platforms, Sarah tearfully addresses her baby, stating, “This is my son, Leo, whom I placed for adoption.” She explains that she wants him to know that her decision was made solely out of love. “I never want you to think that I ‘gave you up’ or didn’t love you. You will always know that you were cherished more than anything,” she conveyed.
As she speaks directly to Leo, Sarah reflects on the bittersweet nature of the moment. “This is the final hour before you go to live with your new family,” she shares. “I want you to know that I love you endlessly.” Her words are filled with emotion as she tries to anticipate the questions he may have in his future.
At just 18 years old, Sarah faced the complexities of an unexpected pregnancy. Leo’s father, Mark, was only 20 and had been thrilled about the prospect of becoming a father. However, shortly after Sarah’s eight-week appointment, where Mark had excitedly heard their baby’s heartbeat, tragedy struck when he unexpectedly passed away. This left Sarah grappling with the reality of her situation and the adoption plan they had discussed together.
For months after Mark’s death, Sarah struggled to come to terms with the idea of adoption, viewing Leo as her last connection to him. However, as time passed, she recognized Leo’s individuality and realized he deserved the best possible life. “I had to put his needs first,” she states, which led her to ultimately pursue the adoption plan they had once considered.
Using resources like Adoption.com, Sarah found a couple, Rachel and Tom Smith, whom she felt were the perfect fit for Leo. “I knew immediately that they were the right choice,” she recalls. They developed a close relationship, spending time together during her pregnancy and preparing for Leo’s arrival.
Today, nearly two years later, Sarah enjoys an open adoption with the Smiths, viewing them as an extension of her own family. “I don’t see it as just an ‘open adoption,’” she explains. “We’re family. We celebrate birthdays and holidays together.”
Sarah emphasizes the importance of her video message for Leo, hoping he will understand the reality of her experience and the genuine love that surrounded his adoption. “I wanted him to see how authentic this journey was,” she says, reflecting on the emotional challenge of creating the video.
The video was not initially intended for public viewing; it was a personal keepsake that found its way onto social media. Sarah hopes that her story helps to normalize open adoptions, showing that they can be beneficial for everyone involved.
Support for birth mothers, irrespective of their circumstances, is crucial. Sarah’s experience highlights the need for understanding and compassion for all who face the complex decision of adoption. “Every birth mother deserves recognition and support,” she states.
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In summary, Sarah Rivers’ heartfelt video serves as a powerful reminder of the love that can exist in adoption. Her journey, marked by tragedy and resilience, underscores the importance of understanding and supporting birth mothers as well as the benefits of open adoption for families.