Words cannot express the respect we have for your decision to consider adoption. Heroes are not always the people we see on TV and in magazines, but also those people who make a choice that can enhance one life -- one very important life - the life of a child and the lives of couples like us who cannot have children if it were not for the love and courage of women like you. We thank you for taking the time to learn a little about us. Our names are Keena and Bill.

Bill and I were fortunate enough to purchase Bill's grandparent's home shortly before we were married. We spent countless hours painting walls and making other renovations. By the time we got back from our honeymoon, we had a house that looked like it belonged in the 21st century. We love living here and get many compliments from family and friends about the home's character. Bill has many happy memories from his childhood in this house, and we are both excited to create the same kind of memories with our children.

We live in a small community where most of our family and friends still reside. We are only two blocks from the elementary school and high school our children will attend. I (Keena) attended both schools while growing up here and have very fond memories of my childhood. Bill thinks I remember too much, but the experiences you have when you are a child shape you as an adult. We will see that our children feel as safe and free as I did as a child in this community. Bill's brother, Mike, is a fourth grade teacher at the elementary school, and he cannot wait to teach our children. He and his wife, Maribeth, have two young sons and have just built a house minutes away.

We knew from the day we were married that we were ready to start a family. With a nice home and good jobs, we felt secure and prepared. Unfortunately, after many attempts and several fertility procedures, we soon realized our plans would change. It took both of us some time to accept our infertility. Friends and family began discussing adoption with us. We know many friends, family, and others who have been adopted. After much discussion and a few heart to hearts, we decided that adoption was what we wanted. In July 2004, we were blessed with the birth and adoption of our daughter, Therin. From the moment we laid eyes on Therin, we knew we made the right decision. Therin could not be more a part of us than if we had given birth to her ourselves. We love her with all our hearts and will never forget the sacrificial love of Pam, her birth mom. Today Therin is a busy two-year-old who will make a great big sister. We both grew up with siblings and cannot imagine how lonely it would have been growing up without them.

Ready for a ride

Therin is a wonderful child, full of laughter and spunk. Since the moment we saw her come into this world, we have been different people. There isn't a day that goes by that she doesn't surprise us with something new and unique. A simple "Hi Daddy" or "Hi Mommy" definitely pulls on our heart strings. As expected, the love and joy she has given us is why we knew we had to be parents, and why we know that adopting another child is the only path for us.

Family vacations have a new meaning with a little one. In the past two and a half years, we have traveled thousands of miles with Therin in the back seat. She has been a traveling champ. We have been fortunate to vacation with both of our parents and have created some great memories. I still can't wait until our children are old enough to remember the experiences as we did when we were younger. We are still anticipating Disney World in the eyes of little ones.

Fun and sun in Vegas

I (Keena), as I said earlier, grew up in this town. I left for college, but I always knew this is where I wanted to be. I have wonderful parents who supported all of my decisions and guided me through college and finally on to my career. They made me who I am and with that instilled in me good morals and values that I hope I will pass on to our children. As silly as it may sound, I actually knew the first time I saw Bill that he was who I was going to marry. Although we didn't start dating at that time, I told a friend who introduced us that he was the one. Five months later, we were dating, and seventeen months after that we were married. He jokes with me about it and says that he doesn't necessarily believe in "love at first sight", but I was 100% right.

All kidding aside, with everything we have gone through, I know for sure he is the one. Bill is a very hard worker and the most patient person I know. A friend of ours describes him as being the only person he knows who is always on an even keel. I believe that is completely true. His calm, gentle manner is what makes him so likable and also what makes him such a great father. Seeing him and Therin together makes me so proud. She has him wrapped around her little finger. From the moment he walks in the door, they are running, chasing and playing hide and seek. She never seems to get enough of him. Having two brothers, Bill is accustomed to the tackling and friendly rough housing, so he should be well prepared for two kids jumping on him and asking for airplane rides at the same time. For a guy who likes shooting hoops, he is very content watching Therin sing and dance. He already jokes that she is too much like me, which I say must be a good thing! I know he can't wait to play with and fuss over another child. He has an endless amount of energy.

In the six and a half years we have been married, we have settled into a quiet, enjoyable life. Two and a half years ago, it wouldn't have been surprising to see both Bill and me sitting on the couch together reading. Today, you would see us reading in bed, lucky to get a few pages in before we fall asleep. We are both avid readers. When Therin was born, one of the first things I sought out was children's books. I started reading to her within the first week of her life. I often find her in her room thumbing through a book. Of course, she isn't able to read yet, but reading together developed a bond between us that I will also share with the baby we adopt.

I also love to cook. Bill doesn't think this is the best hobby for his waist line, but I know he loves every cookie and pie. Having a child in the house has cut down on some of the baking time, but Therin is getting a little more curious about what I am doing in the kitchen as she gets older. My sister and I can still remember our mom teaching us how to bake chocolate chip cookies when we were six and eight. She must have done a good job, because it is still one of the most requested items I get from family and friends.

I enjoy spending time outside playing with Therin. The school playground is only two blocks away and where we spent most of last summer. Once the wagon is packed and the dog is on her leash, we are ready to go. Luckily, I can still get down the slides because Therin expects me to do everything she does. One big lesson I have learned in being a parent is that just playing like you are a kid yourself makes them happier than most any material thing you can give them. Graduating from the toddler slide to the "big kids" slide has been very rewarding, not only for Therin, but for me. I really can't remember a time in my life when I had no fear, but I also can't remember being two! That little squeal or giggle over an accomplishment is something I can't wait to experience with another child.

I (Bill) feel extremely grateful to be Keena's husband. She is my best friend, and I can't imagine spending my life with anyone else. We have learned a lot about each other during our marriage. When we first met, I, unlike Keena, didn't know that we were meant to be together. It is funny how she still knows things that I haven't said yet. Keena is a great mother. Sometimes, I don't think you really know your spouse until they have become a parent. Her bond with Therin is one a father has to respect. They are a lot alike and although I tease them about this, I am not disappointed. Sometimes getting my two cents in is a little difficult with all the chatter! Keena fills her life with family and friends. I think what makes her such a likeable person is her ability to accept people for who they are. She is funny and intelligent, and we love to tease with each other while doing silly mundane things. She can laugh at a joke in a movie she has seen twenty times, just because it makes her feel good. She has a love for the simple things and finds it important to build the same kind of feelings in our children.

I (Bill) also grew just a few miles from where we live today. Both sets of my grandparents lived here. My parents are very giving, loving people. I grew up with two younger brothers. We all followed our Dad around when he was working outside on the lawn or doing a project in the house. I remember riding with him while he was mowing the yard and how it always put me right to sleep. Therin loves to be outside with me when I am working in the yard, raking leaves and especially using the water hose. I love to watch children use their imagination and will encourage our children to spend time outside away from toys and TV just playing. I also love woodworking and doing home improvement projects. Since we bought this house, I have remodeled several rooms including a bathroom, re-roofed the house, and built several items of furniture. I have had my ups and downs with the work, but I have learned so much that I have been able to pass on to my brother who has just finished building a new home.

All the boys, and Therin

We have been blessed with great support and love from both sides of our families. Bill's parents live just a few miles away and have recently bought land to build a new house on that is only minutes away. As our family grows so will our home. We have our eye on a nice piece of the property and plan to be their neighbors in just a few years. Luckily for us, Bill's parents didn't even have to ask if we wanted to be their neighbors, they just knew that is what we would want. They can't wait to have their grandchildren in their backyard coming and going as they please. My mother and sister also live in the same town. There aren't too many days that Therin goes without seeing her Grandma or Aunt Tiff. We love to spend Sundays at Bill's parents eating huge lunches and watching the kids play. We are fortunate to have two adorable nephews who we are very close to. Uncle Bill is a favorite for rides and tackling, while Aunt Keena spoils them with the non-necessities in life such as cool clothes and yucky kisses! We are fortunate to have close, loving families who enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, niece and nephews. Although we both work full time, we have flexible work hours and family who provide childcare. Having Therin with Bill's mother has been a blessing for her and us.

As for being parents, our wait and struggles, first in trying to conceive and then in trying to adopt, were definitely worth it. Therin has given us so much. Therin's birthmother told us when she was pregnant with Therin that she wasn't making an adoption plan because she couldn't provide her with love, but that she wanted more for her other children and more for Therin. Our continued contact with Therin's birthmother has led to a wonderful relationship that we hope will last a lifetime. We provide her lots of photographs and letters and would be happy to do the same for you, if you wish. It is our privilege and our gift to provide a child with endless possibilities and to help lead them and encourage them with all of their endeavors. Our community, although small, has a lot to offer. Good schools, competitive athletics, a safe park and a playground just a few blocks from our home. We would love to give another child everything we never had and more. Most importantly, we want to raise a strong, independent child who will experience any opportunity they wish, knowing that no matter what, we will always be there for them.

Thank you so much for taking your time to learn a little about us. We would love to speak with you. You may contact our attorneys, Steve and Joel Kirsh. Their toll free telephone number is (800) 333-5736, and local telephone number is (317) 575-5555. If you call after hours, one of them will always return your call as soon as possible. Please don't feel pressured. They want to help you make the best decision for you and your baby. You may also call us directly, toll free, at 1-866-451-7040.

Sincerely,

Bill & Keena