Dear HOA,

A million times thank you! A few years ago, we could not have imagined that we would be the parents of two happy, healthy, beautiful children. Not only did the process of adoption seem treacherous and confusing, but we also faced (what we believed at the time) the additional challenge of being a same-sex couple in Florida.

Until recently, the law in Florida prevented us from moving forward with our plans to have a family. Because of that we questioned: Who would choose us? Who would understand us? Who would acknowledge we were like every other loving couple in the world who wanted to start a family? Because our desire to start our family was so strong, we thought about moving to a state that would acknowledge us as a couple and permit us to adopt—a prospect that would undoubtedly prove to be very complicated, emotionally charged, and financially taxing on us.

Needless to say, the odds seemed stacked against us, and at times we questioned if we would ever be blessed with a family. Then the most wondrous thing happened: two cases prompted a change in Florida law, making it possible for us to adopt. And when the law changed to permit same-sex adoption, Heart of Adoptions was the first call we made.

We knew of the agency by reputation and felt that HOA would offer us the best chance for success. We were not disappointed. The staff proved to be compassionate, supportive, and well-versed on the particular challenges we might face. To our complete surprise and absolute delight, we were matched with a birth mother within four months of completing our application. The placement and adoption finalization for our son soon followed. The birth and adoption of our daughter came about a year and a half later, and, to our amazement, was just as smooth. To say that we are the happiest we’ve ever been would still somehow be an understatement. We feel truly blessed and grateful every day for our good fortune. Thank you so much for helping us realize our dream!

Vilma and Kelly